Not Without My Daughter

  • 1991
  • PG-13
  • 116m
movieMx RATING
6.7
334
VERDICT
HIT
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Not Without My Daughter Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict

Last updated: May 15, 2026

movieMx Editorial
📅 Updated: May 15, 2026 🎟️ Verified Screening

Movie Overview: Not Without My Daughter

MovieNot Without My Daughter
Release Year1991
DirectorBrian Gilbert
GenreDrama / Thriller
Runtime116 minutes (1h 56m)
LanguageEN

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Not Without My Daughter (1991) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.7/10. 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 Not Without My Daughter are led by Sally Field . The supporting cast, including Alfred Molina and Sheila Rosenthal , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.

💡 movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?

After analyzing the verified data, our assessment of Not Without My Daughter (1991) is generally positive—a solid choice for fans of the genre. With a platform rating of 6.7/10, it currently stands as a HIT in our database.

What Works in the Movie

Not Without My Daughter stands out as a strong entry in the Drama genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.

  • Compelling performances from the main cast
  • Strong visual storytelling and direction
  • Well-structured Drama narrative
  • Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff

What Doesn't Work

Despite its strengths, Not Without My Daughter 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: Not Without My Daughter

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1991, Not Without My Daughter is a Drama, Thriller film directed by Brian Gilbert, written by David W. Rintels. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Sally Field as Betty Mahmoody.

Ending Explained: Not Without My Daughter

Not Without My Daughter Ending Explained: An American woman, trapped in Islamic Iran by her brutish husband, must find a way to escape with her daughter as well. Directed by Brian Gilbert, this 1991 drama film stars Sally Field (Betty Mahmoody), alongside Alfred Molina as Moody, Sheila Rosenthal as Mahtob, Roshan Seth as Houssein. With a 6.7/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.

What Happens at the End of Not Without My Daughter?

An American woman, trapped in Islamic Iran by her brutish husband, must find a way to escape with her daughter as well.

How Does Sally Field (Betty Mahmoody)'s Story End?

  • Sally Field: Sally Field's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
  • Alfred Molina (Moody): Alfred Molina's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
  • Sheila Rosenthal (Mahtob): Sheila Rosenthal's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of Not Without My Daughter Mean?

Not Without My Daughter's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Sally Field may feel rushed. Brian Gilbert's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.

Not Without My Daughter Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

Is Not Without My Daughter Based on a True Story?

No, Not Without My Daughter is a work of fiction. While the drama, thriller film directed by Brian Gilbert and starring Sally Field may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.

Who Should Watch Not Without My Daughter?

Age Advisory: Rated PG-13.

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of Sally Field or the director
  • Want a character-driven story with emotional moments

Box Office Collection: Not Without My Daughter

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Worldwide Gross $14.8M
Trade Verdict CLEAN HIT
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Where to Watch Not Without My Daughter Online?

Streaming Hub

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🎟️ Rent on

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🏷️ Buy on

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Not Without My Daughter Parents Guide & Age Rating

1991 Advisory
PG-13

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Not Without My Daughter age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Not Without My Daughter is rated PG-13. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Not Without My Daughter (1991) is 116 minutes (1h 56m). Directed by Brian Gilbert, the film runs for 116 minutes in its complete theatrical version.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.7/10, and global performance metrics, Not Without My Daughter is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1991 cinematic calendar.

HIT
Official movieMx status for Not Without My Daughter. Rating: 6.7/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Not Without My Daughter worth watching?

Not Without My Daughter is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Not Without My Daughter parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Not Without My Daughter identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the runtime of Not Without My Daughter (1991)?

The runtime of Not Without My Daughter (1991) is 116 minutes (approximately 1h 56m).

🛡️

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.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.7
Not Without My Daughter
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