Performance & Direction: Da Review
Last updated: March 1, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Da (1988) 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 Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Da features a noteworthy lineup led by Barnard Hughes . Supported by the likes of Martin Sheen and William Hickey , 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.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Da
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1988, Da is a Drama film directed by Matt Clark. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Barnard Hughes.
Ending Explained: Da
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Matt Clark, Da concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Barnard Hughes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Da reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Da?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Barnard Hughes or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Top Cast: Da
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Da Parents Guide & Age Rating
1988 AdvisoryWondering about Da age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Da is 102 minutes (1h 42m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.6/10, and global performance metrics, Da is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1988 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Da worth watching?
Da 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 Da parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Da identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Da?
The total duration of Da is 102 minutes, which is approximately 1h 42m long.
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How Da Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Da
'It was a long time before I realuzed that love turned upside down is love for all that.' Adapted by Leonard from his memory play, tapping into his own accomplished memoirs, the film covers a childhood and early career before and after Ireland’s ‘Emergency’. The script’s strong, a nuanced look at an adolescent’s and expat’s shifting feelings about home and the past. Its conceits translate well, too: Charlie faces both his late father and his younger self, disappointed by his past, present, and future. The characters and cast are grand, especially Hughes (who won a Tony for the stage role). The weakest links are the prodigal/producer Sheen and a dodgy timeline. Watch the film. But read the play.
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.
