38 (2014) movie backdrop
38 (2014) movie poster
⭐ Rating6.5/10
🎯 Verdict HIT
👍 Good
  • Engaging Storyline
  • Strong Performances
👎 Bad
  • Pacing issues in mid
  • Predictable ending
20140 minDocumentary
Audience VerdictAVERAGE

38

38 Movie Hit or Flop?

HIT

Verdict:38 is a confirmed HIT based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.

With a rating of 6.5/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Documentary genre.

Is 38 Worth Watching?

Answer: Yes, 38 is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Documentary movies.

It features a runtime of 0 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.

6.52 votes
2014Release Year
Visual Story
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38 Review

Last updated: January 13, 2026

🎬 Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations

Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2014, 38 emerges as a significant entry in the Documentary domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of This unique documentary follows the life of a Slovak hockey legend, Pavol Demitra. Unlike standard genre fare, 38 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 Daniel Dangl, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Documentary elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study

The success of any Documentary is often anchored by its ensemble, and 38 features a noteworthy lineup led by Marián Gáborík. Supported by the likes of Zdeno Chára and Miroslav Šatan, 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 Marián Gáborík, Zdeno Chára, Miroslav Šatan manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 2014 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Documentary space.

🎥 Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship

From a technical perspective, 38 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 38 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, 38 resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Documentary 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 6.5/10 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, 38 is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the boundaries of human experience. This unique documentary follows the life of a Slovak hockey legend, Pavol Demitra. It takes us from the very begining of his career in Slovakia through successful years in NHL to Lokomotiv Yaroslavl and his tragic death in a plane crash in 2011. His family, friends and fans around the world remember him not only as a top sportsman but also as a good man with strong character. - Written by ITA Film

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 38 (2014) is overwhelmingly generally positive. With an audience rating of 6.5/10 and strong performance metrics in the Documentary categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.

Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Marián Gáborík, Zdeno Chára, Miroslav Šatan or the visual majesty of its technical execution, 38 is a significant contribution to the cinema of 2014. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.

Parents Guide & Age Rating

Not Rated
38 has not been officially rated yet.

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.5/10, and global collection metrics, 38 stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2014 cinematic year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 38 movie hit or flop?

38 has received mixed reviews with a 6.5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.

Is 38 worth watching?

38 is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Documentary movies, but read reviews first.

Where can I watch 38 online?

38 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.

Explore More Verdicts

Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.5
38
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/38-291982" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 6.5</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">38</div></div></a>

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Synopsis

This unique documentary follows the life of a Slovak hockey legend, Pavol Demitra. It takes us from the very begining of his career in Slovakia through successful years in NHL to Lokomotiv Yaroslavl and his tragic death in a plane crash in 2011. His family, friends and fans around the world remember him not only as a top sportsman but also as a good man with strong character. - Written by ITA Film