Reds
Performance & Direction: Reds Review
Last updated: February 16, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Reds (1981) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.9/10. 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 Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Reds features a noteworthy lineup led by Warren Beatty . Supported by the likes of Diane Keaton and Edward Herrmann , 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.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Reds
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1981, Reds is a Drama, History, Romance film directed by Warren Beatty. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Warren Beatty.
Ending Explained: Reds
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Warren Beatty, Reds concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Warren Beatty, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Reds reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Reds Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Reds draws heavily from documented historical records. As a drama, history, romance film directed by Warren Beatty, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Warren Beatty's character.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: Reds adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Reds?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Warren Beatty or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: Reds
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $35.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $40.4M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Reds Budget
The estimated production budget for Reds is $35.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Reds
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Where to Watch Reds Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoReds Parents Guide & Age Rating
1981 AdvisoryWondering about Reds age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Reds is 195 minutes (3h 15m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.9/10, and global performance metrics, Reds is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1981 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Reds worth watching?
Reds is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.9/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Reds parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Reds identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Reds?
The total duration of Reds is 195 minutes, which is approximately 3h 15m long.
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Critic Reviews for Reds
this is about John Reed, right? The guy that road with Poncho Villa and wrote "Insurgent Mexico" as he covered that Civil War from the front line? That is an interesting man. That is a daring man. Agree with his politics or not, that is someone that a movie SHOULD be made about. But this isn't about "Insurgent Mexico" it's about his other book, "10 Days that Shook the World," the book where he wrote about something that he didn't really understand completely and was denied witness to, well, horrific mass killings. But, you know the Russian Revolution is EXTREMELY interesting isn't it? Even if he was spoon-fed what he wrote, just being there to cover that would make for one interesting film too wouldn't it? Only... it's not really about that either is it? It's kind of about John Reed not doing anything too exciting, like the took the parts of his life that you would WANT to see a movie about, and decided NOT to make the movie about those parts. And the result is that, well, honestly, it's boring. And you are left wondering "How could someone make a boring movie about John Reed?" And unfortunately you walk away from it having found out the answer to that question: "By making a movie about ONLY the boring parts of his life."
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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