Crime and Punishment Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 14, 2026
Movie Overview: Crime and Punishment
| Movie | Crime and Punishment |
| Release Year | 2002 |
| Director | Julian Jarrold |
| Genre | Drama |
| Runtime | 180 minutes (3h 0m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Crime and Punishment (2002) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.7/10. 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 Crime and Punishment are led by John Simm . The supporting cast, including Ian McDiarmid and Kate Ashfield , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
Crime and Punishment 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, Crime and Punishment 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: Crime and Punishment
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2002, Crime and Punishment is a Drama film directed by Julian Jarrold, written by Julian Jarrold. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving John Simm as Raskolnikov.
Ending Explained: Crime and Punishment
Crime and Punishment Ending Explained: Former student Raskolnikov is pushed to murder when struggling to pay the rent on his apartment. Directed by Julian Jarrold, this 2002 drama film stars John Simm (Raskolnikov), alongside Ian McDiarmid as Porfiry, Kate Ashfield as Dounia, Lara Belmont as Sonya Marmeladova. With a 6.7/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of Crime and Punishment?
Former student Raskolnikov is pushed to murder when struggling to pay the rent on his apartment. When the murder is being investigated by the police, Raskolnikov struggles between trying to hide his guilt and the pressure to confess.
Julian Jarrold's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on John Simm (Raskolnikov)'s journey. When the murder is being investigated by the police, Raskolnikov struggles between trying to hide his guilt and the pressure to confess.
How Does John Simm (Raskolnikov)'s Story End?
- John Simm: John Simm's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Ian McDiarmid (Porfiry): Ian McDiarmid's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Kate Ashfield (Dounia): Kate Ashfield's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Crime and Punishment Mean?
Crime and Punishment's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving John Simm may feel rushed. Julian Jarrold's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
Crime and Punishment Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Crime and Punishment Based on a True Story?
No, Crime and Punishment is a work of fiction. While the drama film directed by Julian Jarrold and starring John Simm may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch Crime and Punishment?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of John Simm or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Be prepared for a long sit at 3h 0m.
Crime and Punishment Parents Guide & Age Rating
2002 AdvisoryWondering about Crime and Punishment age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Crime and Punishment (2002) is 180 minutes (3h 0m). Directed by Julian Jarrold, the film runs for 180 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.7/10, and global performance metrics, Crime and Punishment is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2002 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crime and Punishment worth watching?
Crime and Punishment is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Crime and Punishment parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Crime and Punishment identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Crime and Punishment (2002)?
The runtime of Crime and Punishment (2002) is 180 minutes (approximately 3h 0m).
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.



