Is 1788 Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, 1788 is likely a skip if you enjoy History movies.
It features a runtime of 0 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
1788 Review
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1978, 1788 emerges as a significant entry in the History, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of The story of a small village in Touraine between 1788 and 1789, on the eve of the French Revolution, with its lord, its wealthy peasants, and its poor. Unlike standard genre fare, 1788 attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Maurice Failevic, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the History elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any History is often anchored by its ensemble, and 1788 features a noteworthy lineup led by Georges Goubert. Supported by the likes of Richard Fontana and René Camoin, the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes. However, the sheer charisma of Georges Goubert, Richard Fontana, René Camoin manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 1978 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the History, Drama space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, 1788 is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of 1788 follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its N/A minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, 1788 resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the History landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 5/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, 1788 is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the boundaries of human experience. The story of a small village in Touraine between 1788 and 1789, on the eve of the French Revolution, with its lord, its wealthy peasants, and its poor. The wealthy peasants, expelled from the communal pastures by the count, take him to court. Guillaume Coquard joins the other villagers in drafting the cahiers de doléances (lists of grievances). On the eve of the convocation of the Estates General, the village loses its lawsuit. On the night of August 4, 1789, the deputies vote to abolish privileges. The peasants will be able to buy them back. But the poorest wonder: with what?
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of 1788 (1978) is overwhelmingly divisive. With an audience rating of 5/10 and strong performance metrics in the History, Drama categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Georges Goubert, Richard Fontana, René Camoin or the visual majesty of its technical execution, 1788 is a significant contribution to the cinema of 1978. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
1788 has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5/10, and global collection metrics, 1788 stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1978 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 1788 movie hit or flop?
1788 has received mixed reviews with a 5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is 1788 worth watching?
1788 is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of History, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch 1788 online?
1788 may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Synopsis
The story of a small village in Touraine between 1788 and 1789, on the eve of the French Revolution, with its lord, its wealthy peasants, and its poor. The wealthy peasants, expelled from the communal pastures by the count, take him to court. Guillaume Coquard joins the other villagers in drafting the cahiers de doléances (lists of grievances). On the eve of the convocation of the Estates General, the village loses its lawsuit. On the night of August 4, 1789, the deputies vote to abolish privileges. The peasants will be able to buy them back. But the poorest wonder: with what?