Is Agonies Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Agonies is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 61 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Agonies Review
Last updated: January 14, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1964, Agonies emerges as a significant entry in the Crime, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Angoroj (1964; Esperanto for "Agonies") was the first feature film to be produced entirely in Esperanto. Unlike standard genre fare, Agonies 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 Jacques-Louis Mahé, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Crime elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and Agonies features a noteworthy lineup led by Michel Duc-Goninaz. Supported by the likes of Raymond Schwartz and Gaston Waringhien, 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 Michel Duc-Goninaz, Raymond Schwartz, Gaston Waringhien manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 1964 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Crime, Drama space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, Agonies 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 Agonies follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 61 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, Agonies resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Crime 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 6/10 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, Agonies is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the boundaries of human experience. Angoroj (1964; Esperanto for "Agonies") was the first feature film to be produced entirely in Esperanto. (Jacques-Louis Mahé, a friend of Raymond Schwartz and under the pseudonym of 'Lorjak', had however already produced a silent Esperanto publicity film before World War II, titled Antaŭen! (Onwards!). At the start of the 1960s Mahé, a professional photographic and cinematic expert, invested in the production of the first fictional film in Esperanto. Using a scenario by Mahé himself, the actors of the Internacia Arta Teatro (International Arts Theatre) presented a crime story, set in the Parisian periphery of petty thieves and cheats. Other notable people who played parts in the film included Schwartz (the commissioner), Gaston Waringhien (the voice-over) and many from the environs of the contemporary Paris, including a very young Michel Duc-Goninaz.
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 Agonies (1964) is overwhelmingly divisive. With an audience rating of 6/10 and strong performance metrics in the Crime, Drama categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Michel Duc-Goninaz, Raymond Schwartz, Gaston Waringhien or the visual majesty of its technical execution, Agonies is a significant contribution to the cinema of 1964. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Agonies Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Set within the thematic framework of the Crime, Drama genre, Agonies delivers a narrative that attempts to balance character development with structural high-points.
The core plot centers around the following premise: "Angoroj (1964; Esperanto for "Agonies") was the first feature film to be produced entirely in Esperanto. (Jacques-Louis Mahé, a friend of Raymond Schwartz and under the pseudonym of 'Lorjak', had however already produced a silent Esperanto publicity film before World War II, titled Antaŭen! (Onwards!). At the start of the 1960s Mahé, a professional photographic and cinematic expert, invested in the production of the first fictional film in Esperanto. Using a scenario by Mahé himself, the actors of the Internacia Arta Teatro (International Arts Theatre) presented a crime story, set in the Parisian periphery of petty thieves and cheats. Other notable people who played parts in the film included Schwartz (the commissioner), Gaston Waringhien (the voice-over) and many from the environs of the contemporary Paris, including a very young Michel Duc-Goninaz."
As the story progresses, the director focuses on building tension through deliberate character interactions, leading to a culmination that has sparked significant discussion among audience members.
Agonies Ending Explained & Final Analysis
The conclusion of Agonies leaves several plot threads for interpretation. In the final act, the narrative shifts from exposition to a more complex resolution that ties together the various character arcs introduced earlier.
Key Takeaways from the Ending:
- Resolution: The main conflict reaches a turning point that defines the future status of the lead characters.
- Theme: The final scenes emphasize the underlying themes of Crime that the film explored throughout its runtime.
- Discussion: Many viewers have noted the unusual way the final shot was framed, which serves as a lasting image of the movie's legacy.
Ultimately, Agonies's ending serves as a definitive close to this chapter, though the logic used provides enough ambiguity to keep fans debating its true meaning long after the credits roll.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Agonies has not been officially rated yet. However, due to its genre classification (Crime, Drama), viewers should expect mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6/10, and global collection metrics, Agonies stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1964 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Agonies movie hit or flop?
Agonies has received mixed reviews with a 6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Agonies worth watching?
Agonies is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Crime, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Agonies online?
Agonies 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
Angoroj (1964; Esperanto for "Agonies") was the first feature film to be produced entirely in Esperanto. (Jacques-Louis Mahé, a friend of Raymond Schwartz and under the pseudonym of 'Lorjak', had however already produced a silent Esperanto publicity film before World War II, titled Antaŭen! (Onwards!). At the start of the 1960s Mahé, a professional photographic and cinematic expert, invested in the production of the first fictional film in Esperanto. Using a scenario by Mahé himself, the actors of the Internacia Arta Teatro (International Arts Theatre) presented a crime story, set in the Parisian periphery of petty thieves and cheats. Other notable people who played parts in the film included Schwartz (the commissioner), Gaston Waringhien (the voice-over) and many from the environs of the contemporary Paris, including a very young Michel Duc-Goninaz.