Desire
Performance & Direction: Desire Review
Last updated: February 20, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Desire (1936) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.9/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Romance.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Romance is often anchored by its ensemble, and Desire features a noteworthy lineup led by Marlene Dietrich . Supported by the likes of Gary Cooper and John Halliday , 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: Desire
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1936, Desire is a Romance, Crime, Comedy, Drama film directed by Frank Borzage. The narrative explores the complexities of love and relationships with emotional depth and authenticity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Marlene Dietrich.
Ending Explained: Desire
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Frank Borzage, Desire concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to romance resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Marlene Dietrich, 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 romance themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Desire reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Desire Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Desire incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a romance, crime, comedy, drama film directed by Frank Borzage, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Marlene Dietrich's character.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Desire adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Desire?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Romance films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Marlene Dietrich or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Top Cast: Desire
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Where to Watch Desire Online?
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Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeDesire Parents Guide & Age Rating
1936 AdvisoryWondering about Desire age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Desire is 95 minutes (1h 35m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.9/10, and global performance metrics, Desire is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1936 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Desire worth watching?
Desire is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Romance movies. It has a verified rating of 6.9/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Desire parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Desire identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Desire?
The total duration of Desire is 95 minutes, which is approximately 1h 35m long.
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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.
