By Then Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 16, 2026
Movie Overview: By Then
| Movie | By Then |
| Release Year | 1997 |
| Director | Jean-Charles Fitoussi |
| Genre | Drama |
| Runtime | 59 minutes (59m) |
| Language | FR |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is By Then (1997) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.6/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in By Then are led by Jeanne-Marie Dalbavie . The supporting cast, including Serge Avédikian and Alexa Gutowski , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
By Then stands out as a strong entry in the Drama genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Drama narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, By Then 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 Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: By Then
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1997, By Then is a Drama film directed by Jean-Charles Fitoussi, written by Jean-Charles Fitoussi. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Jeanne-Marie Dalbavie.
Ending Explained: By Then
By Then Ending Explained: A child is confronted with the (ever young) old age of the world, its hazards, its cinema and music, shot in seven days in Rome, Fiumicino, Ciampino and Cineccità. Directed by Jean-Charles Fitoussi, this 1997 drama film stars Jeanne-Marie Dalbavie, alongside Serge Avédikian, Alexa Gutowski, Patrice Ceccarini. With a 6.6/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of By Then?
A child is confronted with the (ever young) old age of the world, its hazards, its cinema and music, shot in seven days in Rome, Fiumicino, Ciampino and Cineccità. What will happen on July 12, 1995, in Rome ? What will become of July 12, 1995, in Rome ?
Jean-Charles Fitoussi's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Jeanne-Marie Dalbavie's journey. What will happen on July 12, 1995, in Rome.
How Does Jeanne-Marie Dalbavie's Story End?
- Jeanne-Marie Dalbavie: Jeanne-Marie Dalbavie's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Serge Avédikian: Serge Avédikian's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Alexa Gutowski: Alexa Gutowski's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of By Then Mean?
By Then's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Jeanne-Marie Dalbavie may feel rushed. Jean-Charles Fitoussi's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
By Then Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is By Then Based on a True Story?
No, By Then is a work of fiction. While the drama film directed by Jean-Charles Fitoussi and starring Jeanne-Marie Dalbavie may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch By Then?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Jeanne-Marie Dalbavie or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
At just 59 minutes, it's a quick watch.
By Then Parents Guide & Age Rating
1997 AdvisoryWondering about By Then age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of By Then (1997) is 59 minutes (59m). Directed by Jean-Charles Fitoussi, the film runs for 59 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.6/10, and global performance metrics, By Then is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1997 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is By Then worth watching?
By Then is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.6/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find By Then parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for By Then identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of By Then (1997)?
The runtime of By Then (1997) is 59 minutes (approximately 0h 59m).
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.