The General
Performance & Direction: The General Review
Last updated: February 14, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The General (1998) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.7/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Crime.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and The General features a noteworthy lineup led by Brendan Gleeson . Supported by the likes of Adrian Dunbar and Sean McGinley , 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 General
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1998, The General is a Crime, Drama film directed by John Boorman. The narrative dives into the criminal underworld with a grounded sense of realism and complex morality. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Brendan Gleeson.
Ending Explained: The General
Ending Breakdown: Directed by John Boorman, The General concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to crime resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Brendan Gleeson, 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 crime themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The General reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The General Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
The General incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, drama film directed by John Boorman, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Brendan Gleeson'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, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: The General adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch The General?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Crime films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Brendan Gleeson or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: The General
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $1.2M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Top Cast: The General
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Where to Watch The General Online?
Streaming HubThe General Parents Guide & Age Rating
1998 AdvisoryWondering about The General age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The General is 124 minutes (2h 4m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.7/10, and global performance metrics, The General is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1998 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The General worth watching?
The General is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 6.7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The General parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The General identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The General?
The total duration of The General is 124 minutes, which is approximately 2h 4m 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.
