It Began This Way... Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 16, 2026
Movie Overview: It Began This Way...
| Movie | It Began This Way... |
| Release Year | 1956 |
| Director | Lev Kulidzhanov |
| Genre | Drama |
| Runtime | 98 minutes (1h 38m) |
| Language | RU |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is It Began This Way... (1956) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.3/10. 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 It Began This Way... are led by Vladimir Yemelyanov . The supporting cast, including Valentin Zubkov and Liliya Aleshnikova , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While It Began This Way... does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Drama films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, It Began This Way... 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: It Began This Way...
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1956, It Began This Way... is a Drama film directed by Lev Kulidzhanov, written by Solomon Garbuzov. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Vladimir Yemelyanov as Grishanin.
Ending Explained: It Began This Way...
It Began This Way... Ending Explained: A Moscow group of Komsomol members arrives on the virgin lands, in the Kazakh steppes, and immediately faces bureaucracy and carelessness. Directed by Lev Kulidzhanov, this 1956 drama film stars Vladimir Yemelyanov (Grishanin), alongside Valentin Zubkov as Skvortsov, Liliya Aleshnikova as Tanya Gromova, Nikolai Dovzhenko as Lyosha Antonov. Rated 5.3/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of It Began This Way...?
A Moscow group of Komsomol members arrives on the virgin lands, in the Kazakh steppes, and immediately faces bureaucracy and carelessness. Someone flees the state farm for more reliable earnings, and someone simply does not want to work. But a new energetic director appears — and real life begins...
Lev Kulidzhanov's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Vladimir Yemelyanov (Grishanin)'s journey. Someone flees the state farm for more reliable earnings, and someone simply does not want to work.
How Does Vladimir Yemelyanov (Grishanin)'s Story End?
- Vladimir Yemelyanov: Vladimir Yemelyanov's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Valentin Zubkov (Skvortsov): Valentin Zubkov's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Liliya Aleshnikova (Tanya Gromova): Liliya Aleshnikova's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of It Began This Way... Mean?
The ending of It Began This Way... brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Vladimir Yemelyanov's story may not satisfy all audiences.
It Began This Way... Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is It Began This Way... Based on a True Story?
No, It Began This Way... is a work of fiction. While the drama film directed by Lev Kulidzhanov and starring Vladimir Yemelyanov may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch It Began This Way...?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
It Began This Way... Parents Guide & Age Rating
1956 AdvisoryWondering about It Began This Way... age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of It Began This Way... (1956) is 98 minutes (1h 38m). Directed by Lev Kulidzhanov, the film runs for 98 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.3/10, and global performance metrics, It Began This Way... is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1956 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Began This Way... worth watching?
It Began This Way... is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 5.3/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find It Began This Way... parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for It Began This Way... identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of It Began This Way... (1956)?
The runtime of It Began This Way... (1956) is 98 minutes (approximately 1h 38m).
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.
