Is Magic First Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Magic First is likely a skip if you enjoy Fantasy movies.
It features a runtime of 35 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Magic First Review
Last updated: January 14, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2017, Magic First emerges as a significant entry in the Fantasy, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of In contemporary Russia there exists a hidden world - a world of magic and enchantment. Unlike standard genre fare, Magic First attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Ekaterina Krasner, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Fantasy elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Fantasy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Magic First features a noteworthy lineup led by Vasily Zotov. Supported by the likes of Elizaveta Ryzhih and Mikhail Kremer, 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. However, the sheer charisma of Vasily Zotov, Elizaveta Ryzhih, Mikhail Kremer manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 2017 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Fantasy, Drama space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, Magic First is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of Magic First follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 35 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, Magic First resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Fantasy landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 5/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, Magic First is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the boundaries of human experience. In contemporary Russia there exists a hidden world - a world of magic and enchantment. Magicians have to hide from the nonmag society surrounding them, a society they are disdainful of, some even hostile towards. The Master of the Guard of the Supreme Council of Magic and Enchantment, Bakhrushin, loses his magic abilities and must not only avoid revealing this, but also prevent the war brewing between the magicians and the nonmagi.
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Magic First (2017) is overwhelmingly divisive. With an audience rating of 5/10 and strong performance metrics in the Fantasy, Drama categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Vasily Zotov, Elizaveta Ryzhih, Mikhail Kremer or the visual majesty of its technical execution, Magic First is a significant contribution to the cinema of 2017. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Magic First Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Set within the thematic framework of the Fantasy, Drama genre, Magic First delivers a narrative that attempts to balance character development with structural high-points.
The core plot centers around the following premise: "In contemporary Russia there exists a hidden world - a world of magic and enchantment. Magicians have to hide from the nonmag society surrounding them, a society they are disdainful of, some even hostile towards. The Master of the Guard of the Supreme Council of Magic and Enchantment, Bakhrushin, loses his magic abilities and must not only avoid revealing this, but also prevent the war brewing between the magicians and the nonmagi."
As the story progresses, the director focuses on building tension through deliberate character interactions, leading to a culmination that has sparked significant discussion among audience members.
Magic First Ending Explained & Final Analysis
The conclusion of Magic First leaves several plot threads for interpretation. In the final act, the narrative shifts from exposition to a more complex resolution that ties together the various character arcs introduced earlier.
Key Takeaways from the Ending:
- Resolution: The main conflict reaches a turning point that defines the future status of the lead characters.
- Theme: The final scenes emphasize the underlying themes of Fantasy that the film explored throughout its runtime.
- Discussion: Many viewers have noted the unusual way the final shot was framed, which serves as a lasting image of the movie's legacy.
Ultimately, Magic First's ending serves as a definitive close to this chapter, though the logic used provides enough ambiguity to keep fans debating its true meaning long after the credits roll.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Magic First has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5/10, and global collection metrics, Magic First stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2017 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Magic First movie hit or flop?
Magic First has received mixed reviews with a 5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Magic First worth watching?
Magic First is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Fantasy, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Magic First online?
Magic First may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Synopsis
In contemporary Russia there exists a hidden world - a world of magic and enchantment. Magicians have to hide from the nonmag society surrounding them, a society they are disdainful of, some even hostile towards. The Master of the Guard of the Supreme Council of Magic and Enchantment, Bakhrushin, loses his magic abilities and must not only avoid revealing this, but also prevent the war brewing between the magicians and the nonmagi.