The Five Obstructions
Performance & Direction: The Five Obstructions Review
Last updated: February 27, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Five Obstructions (2003) 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 Documentary.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Documentary is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Five Obstructions features a noteworthy lineup led by Jørgen Leth . Supported by the likes of Lars von Trier and Claus Nissen , 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 Five Obstructions
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2003, The Five Obstructions is a Documentary film directed by Lars von Trier. 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 Jørgen Leth.
Ending Explained: The Five Obstructions
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Lars von Trier, The Five Obstructions concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to documentary resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions involving Jørgen Leth, 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 documentary themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Five Obstructions reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Five Obstructions?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Documentaries films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Jørgen Leth or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: The Five Obstructions
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $279.0K |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Top Cast: The Five Obstructions
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Where to Watch The Five Obstructions Online?
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2003 AdvisoryWondering about The Five Obstructions age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Five Obstructions is 90 minutes (1h 30m). 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 Five Obstructions is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2003 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Five Obstructions worth watching?
The Five Obstructions is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Documentary 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 Five Obstructions parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Five Obstructions identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Five Obstructions?
The total duration of The Five Obstructions is 90 minutes, which is approximately 1h 30m long.
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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.










