Great Citizen Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 15, 2026
Movie Overview: Great Citizen
| Movie | Great Citizen |
| Release Year | 1938 |
| Director | Fridrikh Ermler |
| Genre | History / Drama |
| Runtime | 252 minutes (4h 12m) |
| Language | RU |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Great Citizen (1938) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 4.6/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this History.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Great Citizen are led by Nikolai Bogolyubov . The supporting cast, including Ivan Bersenev and Oleg Zhakov , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Great Citizen does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy History films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Great Citizen 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 History fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Great Citizen
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1938, Great Citizen is a History, Drama film directed by Fridrikh Ermler, written by Manuel Bolshintsov. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Nikolai Bogolyubov as Shakhov - the great citizen.
Ending Explained: Great Citizen
Great Citizen Ending Explained: A biography drama about Sergey Kirov, a prominent early Bolshevik leader in the Soviet Union. Directed by Fridrikh Ermler, this 1938 history film stars Nikolai Bogolyubov (Shakhov - the great citizen), alongside Ivan Bersenev as Kartashov - the conspirator, Oleg Zhakov as Borovsky - the accomplice, Zoya Fyodorova as Nadya. Rated 4.6/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of Great Citizen?
A biography drama about Sergey Kirov, a prominent early Bolshevik leader in the Soviet Union.
How Does Nikolai Bogolyubov (Shakhov - the great citizen)'s Story End?
- Nikolai Bogolyubov: Nikolai Bogolyubov's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Ivan Bersenev (Kartashov - the conspirator): Ivan Bersenev's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Oleg Zhakov (Borovsky - the accomplice): Oleg Zhakov's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
Is Great Citizen Based on a True Story?
Yes — Great Citizen draws from real events. The ending reflects documented outcomes, though Fridrikh Ermler has taken creative liberties in dramatizing specific scenes for cinematic impact.
What Does the Ending of Great Citizen Mean?
The ending of Great Citizen brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Nikolai Bogolyubov's story may not satisfy all audiences.
Great Citizen Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Great Citizen Based on a True Story?
Yes, Great Citizen is inspired by documented historical events. Directed by Fridrikh Ermler and starring Nikolai Bogolyubov, this history, drama film explores how real events have been adapted into a dramatic narrative.
Real Story vs Movie Version of Great Citizen
The film takes creative liberties to strengthen its narrative. Certain scenes are likely dramatized to enhance emotional impact.
While inspired by real events, the narrative focuses more on storytelling than strict historical accuracy.
Accuracy Assessment: Great Citizen uses real-life inspiration as the foundation for a dramatized narrative. Viewers interested in the real history may want to explore historical sources alongside the film.
Who Should Watch Great Citizen?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for History films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Be prepared for a long sit at 4h 12m.
Great Citizen Parents Guide & Age Rating
1938 AdvisoryWondering about Great Citizen age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Great Citizen (1938) is 252 minutes (4h 12m). Directed by Fridrikh Ermler, the film runs for 252 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 4.6/10, and global performance metrics, Great Citizen is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1938 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Great Citizen worth watching?
Great Citizen is definitely worth watching if you enjoy History movies. It has a verified rating of 4.6/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Great Citizen parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Great Citizen identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Great Citizen (1938)?
The runtime of Great Citizen (1938) is 252 minutes (approximately 4h 12m).
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.
