Is Penthesilea Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Penthesilea is likely a skip if you enjoy movies.
It features a runtime of 0 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Penthesilea Review
Last updated: January 12, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1989, Penthesilea enters the Film genre with a narrative focused on In Heinrich von Kleist's "Penthesilea", war, the death of love and erotic cannibalism merge into a battle of the sexes. Under the direction of Hans-Jürgen Syberberg, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Edith Clever. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, Penthesilea 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, Penthesilea resonates with current cultural themes in the Film 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, Penthesilea 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 Penthesilea centers on a unique premise within the undefined landscape. In Heinrich von Kleist's "Penthesilea", war, the death of love and erotic cannibalism merge into a battle of the sexes. The drama, which was published in 1808, was not premiered until 70 years later. It is considered almost unplayable. Edith Clever and Hans Jürgen Syberberg have remembered that Kleist's "Penthesilea" was already read as a monologue in the time of its author and supplemented by pantomime on stage. In November 1987, they continued this tradition at the Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord in Paris: Edith Clever performed the play without lines and role changes, as a single long poem. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1989 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of Penthesilea 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 Penthesilea sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for Penthesilea (1989): with an audience rating of 0/10, the reception has been negative. It is a recommended for fans of cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Penthesilea has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 0/10, and global collection metrics, Penthesilea stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1989 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Penthesilea movie hit or flop?
Penthesilea is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 0/10 and lower collections.
Is Penthesilea worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 0/10, Penthesilea may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Penthesilea online?
Penthesilea 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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People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is Penthesilea movie hit or flop?
Penthesilea is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 0/10 and lower collections.
Is Penthesilea worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 0/10, Penthesilea may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Penthesilea online?
Penthesilea 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 Penthesilea?
Penthesilea is a movie that follows: In Heinrich von Kleist's "Penthesilea", war, the death of love and erotic cannibalism merge into a battle of the sexes. The drama, which was published in 1808, was not premiered until 70 years later. ...
Is Penthesilea family friendly?
Penthesilea is classified as . We recommend checking the official age rating before watching with children.
What language is Penthesilea available in?
Penthesilea is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Synopsis
In Heinrich von Kleist's "Penthesilea", war, the death of love and erotic cannibalism merge into a battle of the sexes. The drama, which was published in 1808, was not premiered until 70 years later. It is considered almost unplayable. Edith Clever and Hans Jürgen Syberberg have remembered that Kleist's "Penthesilea" was already read as a monologue in the time of its author and supplemented by pantomime on stage. In November 1987, they continued this tradition at the Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord in Paris: Edith Clever performed the play without lines and role changes, as a single long poem.
Critic Reviews
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