The Bear
Performance & Direction: The Bear Review
Last updated: February 16, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Bear (1988) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Adventure.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Adventure is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Bear features a noteworthy lineup led by Youk the Bear . Supported by the likes of Bart the Bear and Tchéky Karyo , 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: The Bear
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1988, The Bear is a Adventure, Drama, Family film directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Youk the Bear.
Story Breakdown
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. An orphan bear cub hooks up with an adult male as they try to dodge human hunters. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Youk the Bear's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Ending Explained: The Bear
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud, The Bear resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to adventure resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Youk the Bear, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the adventure themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Bear reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Bear?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Adventure films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Youk the Bear or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: The Bear
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $25.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $138.2M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The Bear Budget
The estimated production budget for The Bear is $25.0M. 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: The Bear
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch The Bear Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
Night Flight Plus
Amazon Prime Video with Ads
Shout! Factory Amazon Channel🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeThe Bear Parents Guide & Age Rating
1988 AdvisoryWondering about The Bear age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Bear is 97 minutes (1h 37m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.1/10, and global performance metrics, The Bear is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1988 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Bear worth watching?
The Bear is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Adventure movies. It has a verified rating of 7.1/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Bear parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Bear identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Bear?
The total duration of The Bear is 97 minutes, which is approximately 1h 37m long.
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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.