Is The Criminal Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Criminal is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 100 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
The Criminal Review
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1978, The Criminal emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Crime domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Monier takes advantage of Zaghloul's naivety to take advantage of his family's financial resources to fund his gambling addiction. Unlike standard genre fare, The Criminal attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Salah Abu Seif, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Drama elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Criminal features a noteworthy lineup led by Shams El-Barudy. Supported by the likes of Hassan Youssef and Mohamed Awad, 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. However, the sheer charisma of Shams El-Barudy, Hassan Youssef, Mohamed Awad manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 1978 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Drama, Crime space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, The Criminal is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of The Criminal follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 100 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, The Criminal resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Drama landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 6/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, The Criminal is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the complexity of relationships. Monier takes advantage of Zaghloul's naivety to take advantage of his family's financial resources to fund his gambling addiction. But he takes it one step further when he throws Zaghloul into the Nile and pretends that he couldn't save him.
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Criminal (1978) is overwhelmingly divisive. With an audience rating of 6/10 and strong performance metrics in the Drama, Crime categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Shams El-Barudy, Hassan Youssef, Mohamed Awad or the visual majesty of its technical execution, The Criminal is a significant contribution to the cinema of 1978. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
The Criminal has not been officially rated yet. However, due to its genre classification (Drama, Crime), viewers should expect mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6/10, and global collection metrics, The Criminal stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1978 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Criminal movie hit or flop?
The Criminal has received mixed reviews with a 6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Criminal worth watching?
The Criminal is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Crime movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Criminal online?
The Criminal may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
Explore More Verdicts
Synopsis
Monier takes advantage of Zaghloul's naivety to take advantage of his family's financial resources to fund his gambling addiction. But he takes it one step further when he throws Zaghloul into the Nile and pretends that he couldn't save him.