The Broken Cord Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Movie Overview: The Broken Cord
| Movie | The Broken Cord |
| Release Year | 1992 |
| Director | Ken Olin |
| Genre | Drama / TV Movie |
| Runtime | 100 minutes (1h 40m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Broken Cord (1992) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.3/10. 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 The Broken Cord are led by Jimmy Smits . The supporting cast, including Kim Delaney and Fredrick Leader-Charge , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While The Broken Cord does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Drama films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Broken Cord 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: The Broken Cord
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1992, The Broken Cord is a Drama, TV Movie film directed by Ken Olin, written by Ann Beckett. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Jimmy Smits as David Norwell.
Ending Explained: The Broken Cord
The Broken Cord Ending Explained: Fact-based story of an idealistic single dad who discovers that his beloved Native American adopted son is afflicted with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and complicates his life with the woman who becomes his wife. Directed by Ken Olin, this 1992 drama film stars Jimmy Smits (David Norwell), alongside Kim Delaney as Suzanne Lefever, Fredrick Leader-Charge as Adam 1, Michael Spears as Adam 2. With a 6.3/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of The Broken Cord?
Fact-based story of an idealistic single dad who discovers that his beloved Native American adopted son is afflicted with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and complicates his life with the woman who becomes his wife.
How Does Jimmy Smits (David Norwell)'s Story End?
- Jimmy Smits: Jimmy Smits's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Kim Delaney (Suzanne Lefever): Kim Delaney's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Fredrick Leader-Charge (Adam 1): Fredrick Leader-Charge's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Broken Cord Mean?
The Broken Cord's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Jimmy Smits may feel rushed. Ken Olin's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
The Broken Cord Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Broken Cord Based on a True Story?
No, The Broken Cord is a work of fiction. While the drama, tv movie film directed by Ken Olin and starring Jimmy Smits may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Broken Cord?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Jimmy Smits or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
The Broken Cord Parents Guide & Age Rating
1992 AdvisoryWondering about The Broken Cord age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Broken Cord (1992) is 100 minutes (1h 40m). Directed by Ken Olin, the film runs for 100 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.3/10, and global performance metrics, The Broken Cord is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1992 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Broken Cord worth watching?
The Broken Cord is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.3/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Broken Cord parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Broken Cord identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Broken Cord (1992)?
The runtime of The Broken Cord (1992) 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.
