The Commander
Performance & Direction: The Commander Review
Last updated: February 16, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Commander (2023) 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 War.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any War is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Commander features a noteworthy lineup led by Pierfrancesco Favino . Supported by the likes of Massimiliano Rossi and Johan Heldenbergh , 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 Commander
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2023, The Commander is a War, History, Drama film directed by Edoardo De Angelis. 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 Pierfrancesco Favino.
Story Breakdown
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. One dark night during the early phases of WWII, the Italian Royal Navy submarine Cappellini sinks an armed merchant ship sailing with lights out. At that moment, its commander Salvatore Todaro makes a decision that was destined to go down in history: to save the 26 shipwrecked Belgians who otherwise would have drowned in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and disembark them at the nearest safe harbor. To make room for them on board his submarine, he is forced to navigate on the surface of the water for three days, visible to the enemy forces and endangering his life and that of his men. 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. Pierfrancesco Favino'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 Commander
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Edoardo De Angelis, The Commander concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to war resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Pierfrancesco Favino, 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 war themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Commander reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The Commander Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
The Commander draws heavily from documented historical records. As a war, history, drama film directed by Edoardo De Angelis, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Pierfrancesco Favino'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: The Commander adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch The Commander?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy War films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Pierfrancesco Favino or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: The Commander
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $15.0M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The Commander Budget
The estimated production budget for The Commander is $15.0M. 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 Commander
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Where to Watch The Commander Online?
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Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeThe Commander Parents Guide & Age Rating
2023 AdvisoryWondering about The Commander age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Commander is 120 minutes (2h 0m). 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, The Commander is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2023 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Commander worth watching?
The Commander is definitely worth watching if you enjoy War movies. It has a verified rating of 6.9/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Commander parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Commander identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Commander?
The total duration of The Commander is 120 minutes, which is approximately 2h 0m 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.
