Is Ongoing Smile Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Ongoing Smile is likely a skip if you enjoy Documentary movies.
It features a runtime of 52 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Ongoing Smile Review
Last updated: January 11, 2026
The Premise
Released in 2013, Ongoing Smile enters the Documentary genre with a narrative focused on At the age of 74, many people retire themselves or go and spend the rest of their life in elderly’s house. Under the direction of Mohsen Makhmalbaf, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Kim Dong-ho. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, Ongoing Smile offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, Ongoing Smile resonates with current cultural themes in the Documentary space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of early 2026, Ongoing Smile is available in theaters worldwide. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of Ongoing Smile centers on a unique premise within the Documentary landscape. At the age of 74, many people retire themselves or go and spend the rest of their life in elderly’s house. But Kim Dong-Ho has made the decision to live like a young and energetic man until the end of his life. He gets up early around 4 am every morning. He does his exercise for an hour. Then he checks the news and respond to his emails. After that, he takes the bus to his work. He is currently working in a university of film and media, which he has launched himself two years ago. KIM is the same man whom established the largest Asian Film Festival when he was almost 60 years old. Now that he is 74 years old, he has just decided to make his first film as a director. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 2013 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of Ongoing Smile has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a Ongoing Smile sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for Ongoing Smile (2013): with an audience rating of 0.5/10, the reception has been negative. It is a recommended for fans of Documentary cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Ongoing Smile has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 0.5/10, and global collection metrics, Ongoing Smile stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2013 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ongoing Smile movie hit or flop?
Ongoing Smile is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 0.5/10 and lower collections.
Is Ongoing Smile worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 0.5/10, Ongoing Smile may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Ongoing Smile online?
Ongoing Smile 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.
Explore More Verdicts
More with Kim Dong-ho
View full filmography
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is Ongoing Smile movie hit or flop?
Ongoing Smile is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 0.5/10 and lower collections.
Is Ongoing Smile worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 0.5/10, Ongoing Smile may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Ongoing Smile online?
Ongoing Smile 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.
What is the story of Ongoing Smile?
Ongoing Smile is a Documentary movie that follows: At the age of 74, many people retire themselves or go and spend the rest of their life in elderly’s house. But Kim Dong-Ho has made the decision to live like a young and energetic man until the end of...
Is Ongoing Smile family friendly?
Ongoing Smile is classified as Documentary. We recommend checking the official age rating before watching with children.
What language is Ongoing Smile available in?
Ongoing Smile is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Synopsis
At the age of 74, many people retire themselves or go and spend the rest of their life in elderly’s house. But Kim Dong-Ho has made the decision to live like a young and energetic man until the end of his life. He gets up early around 4 am every morning. He does his exercise for an hour. Then he checks the news and respond to his emails. After that, he takes the bus to his work. He is currently working in a university of film and media, which he has launched himself two years ago. KIM is the same man whom established the largest Asian Film Festival when he was almost 60 years old. Now that he is 74 years old, he has just decided to make his first film as a director.
Critic Reviews
No reviews found for this filter.