Happy New Year
Performance & Direction: Happy New Year Review
Last updated: February 19, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Happy New Year (1973) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.2/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Happy New Year features a noteworthy lineup led by Lino Ventura . Supported by the likes of Françoise Fabian and Charles Gérard , 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: Happy New Year
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1973, Happy New Year is a Comedy, Crime, Drama, Romance film directed by Claude Lelouch. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Lino Ventura.
Ending Explained: Happy New Year
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Claude Lelouch, Happy New Year resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to comedy resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Lino Ventura, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Happy New Year reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Happy New Year Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Happy New Year incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a comedy, crime, drama, romance film directed by Claude Lelouch, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Lino Ventura's character.
Historical Context
The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
The production demonstrates respect for its source material, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Happy New Year adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Happy New Year?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Lino Ventura or the director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Top Cast: Happy New Year
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Where to Watch Happy New Year Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store🏷️ Buy on
Amazon Video
Apple TV StoreHappy New Year Parents Guide & Age Rating
1973 AdvisoryWondering about Happy New Year age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Happy New Year is 115 minutes (1h 55m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.2/10, and global performance metrics, Happy New Year is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1973 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Happy New Year worth watching?
Happy New Year is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 7.2/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Happy New Year parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Happy New Year identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Happy New Year?
The total duration of Happy New Year is 115 minutes, which is approximately 1h 55m 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.











