Back Roads
Back Roads Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Movie Overview: Back Roads
| Movie | Back Roads |
| Release Year | 1981 |
| Director | Martin Ritt |
| Genre | Comedy / Romance |
| Runtime | 94 minutes (1h 34m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Back Roads (1981) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Back Roads are led by Sally Field . The supporting cast, including Tommy Lee Jones and David Keith , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Back Roads does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Comedy films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Back Roads has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Comedy fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Back Roads
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1981, Back Roads is a Comedy, Romance film directed by Martin Ritt, written by Gary DeVore. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Sally Field as Amy Post.
Ending Explained: Back Roads
Back Roads Ending Explained: Directed by Martin Ritt, Back Roads attempts to bring together the film’s narrative threads. The ending highlights the core comedy themes developed throughout the film.
The conclusion reflects the central themes explored throughout the narrative, particularly in scenes involving Sally Field. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the comedy themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of Back Roads reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch Back Roads?
Age Advisory: Rated R — not suitable for younger viewers.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Comedy films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: Back Roads
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $11.8M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Where to Watch Back Roads Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoBack Roads Parents Guide & Age Rating
1981 AdvisoryWondering about Back Roads age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Back Roads (1981) is 94 minutes (1h 34m). Directed by Martin Ritt, the film runs for 94 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.4/10, and global performance metrics, Back Roads is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1981 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Back Roads worth watching?
Back Roads is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 5.4/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Back Roads parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Back Roads identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Back Roads (1981)?
The runtime of Back Roads (1981) is 94 minutes (approximately 1h 34m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
