Sacred Ground Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 12, 2026
Movie Overview: Sacred Ground
| Movie | Sacred Ground |
| Release Year | 1983 |
| Director | Charles B. Pierce |
| Genre | Drama / Western |
| Runtime | 100 minutes (1h 40m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Sacred Ground (1983) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.5/10. 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 Sacred Ground are led by Tim McIntire . The supporting cast, including Jack Elam and L.Q. Jones , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
Sacred Ground 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, Sacred Ground 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: Sacred Ground
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1983, Sacred Ground is a Drama, Western film directed by Charles B. Pierce, written by Charles B. Pierce. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Tim McIntire as Matt Colter.
Ending Explained: Sacred Ground
Sacred Ground Ending Explained: SACRED GROUND tells the fact-based story of a mountain man and his Indian wife who happen upon a partially built cabin and finish it for their own home, not realizing that they occupy a sacred burial ground. Directed by Charles B. Pierce, this 1983 drama film stars Tim McIntire (Matt Colter), alongside Jack Elam as Lum Witcher, L.Q. Jones as Tolbert Coleman, Ty Randolph as Wannetta. With a 6.5/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of Sacred Ground?
SACRED GROUND tells the fact-based story of a mountain man and his Indian wife who happen upon a partially built cabin and finish it for their own home, not realizing that they occupy a sacred burial ground. A Paiute burial party clashes with the couple and in the ensuing skirmish, the wife is critically wounded while in the middle of childbirth. Bitter over her loss and needing a wetnurse for his baby, he steals one of the Paiute woman who had just lost a baby. In this modern version of Helen of Troy, the battle is on, as he takes on the whole band in a desperate attempt to survive. Written by Dale Roloff
Charles B. Pierce's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Tim McIntire (Matt Colter)'s journey. A Paiute burial party clashes with the couple and in the ensuing skirmish, the wife is critically wounded while in the middle of childbirth.
How Does Tim McIntire (Matt Colter)'s Story End?
- Tim McIntire: Tim McIntire's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Jack Elam (Lum Witcher): Jack Elam's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- L.Q. Jones (Tolbert Coleman): L.Q. Jones's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Sacred Ground Mean?
Sacred Ground's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Tim McIntire may feel rushed. Charles B. Pierce's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
Sacred Ground Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Sacred Ground Based on a True Story?
No, Sacred Ground is a work of fiction. While the drama, western film directed by Charles B. Pierce and starring Tim McIntire may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch Sacred Ground?
Age Advisory: Rated PG.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Tim McIntire or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Where to Watch Sacred Ground Online?
Streaming HubSacred Ground Parents Guide & Age Rating
1983 AdvisoryWondering about Sacred Ground age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Sacred Ground (1983) is 100 minutes (1h 40m). Directed by Charles B. Pierce, the film runs for 100 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.5/10, and global performance metrics, Sacred Ground is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1983 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sacred Ground worth watching?
Sacred Ground is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.5/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Sacred Ground parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Sacred Ground identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Sacred Ground (1983)?
The runtime of Sacred Ground (1983) is 100 minutes (approximately 1h 40m).
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.
