Like a Drug Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 16, 2026
Movie Overview: Like a Drug
| Movie | Like a Drug |
| Release Year | 1999 |
| Director | Barbara Sass |
| Genre | Drama |
| Runtime | 135 minutes (2h 15m) |
| Language | PL |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Like a Drug (1999) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.0/10. 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 Like a Drug are led by Magdalena Cielecka . The supporting cast, including Teresa Budzisz-Krzyżanowska and Andrzej Wichrowski , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Like a Drug 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, Like a Drug 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: Like a Drug
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1999, Like a Drug is a Drama film directed by Barbara Sass, written by Barbara Sass. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Magdalena Cielecka as Anna Piwowska.
Ending Explained: Like a Drug
Like a Drug Ending Explained: 18-year-old Anna finds out she's terminally ill and has only a few years left. Directed by Barbara Sass, this 1999 drama film stars Magdalena Cielecka (Anna Piwowska), alongside Teresa Budzisz-Krzyżanowska as Anna's mother, Andrzej Wichrowski as Anna's father, Igor Przegrodzki as Profesor Zimorowicz. With a 6/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of Like a Drug?
18-year-old Anna finds out she's terminally ill and has only a few years left. Fragile girl changes her mindset, starts living out the remaining time as intensively as possible and marries Piotr, a student whom she just met in sanatorium.
Barbara Sass's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Magdalena Cielecka (Anna Piwowska)'s journey. Fragile girl changes her mindset, starts living out the remaining time as intensively as possible and marries Piotr, a student whom she just met in sanatorium.
How Does Magdalena Cielecka (Anna Piwowska)'s Story End?
- Magdalena Cielecka: Magdalena Cielecka's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Teresa Budzisz-Krzyżanowska (Anna's mother): Teresa Budzisz-Krzyżanowska's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Andrzej Wichrowski (Anna's father): Andrzej Wichrowski's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Like a Drug Mean?
Like a Drug's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Magdalena Cielecka may feel rushed. Barbara Sass's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
Like a Drug Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Like a Drug Based on a True Story?
No, Like a Drug is a work of fiction. While the drama film directed by Barbara Sass and starring Magdalena Cielecka may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch Like a Drug?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Magdalena Cielecka or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Like a Drug Parents Guide & Age Rating
1999 AdvisoryWondering about Like a Drug age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Like a Drug (1999) is 135 minutes (2h 15m). Directed by Barbara Sass, the film runs for 135 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.0/10, and global performance metrics, Like a Drug is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1999 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Like a Drug worth watching?
Like a Drug is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Like a Drug parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Like a Drug identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Like a Drug (1999)?
The runtime of Like a Drug (1999) is 135 minutes (approximately 2h 15m).
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.
