The Grass Is Singing Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Movie Overview: The Grass Is Singing
| Movie | The Grass Is Singing |
| Release Year | 1981 |
| Director | Michael Raeburn |
| Genre | Drama |
| Runtime | 105 minutes (1h 45m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Grass Is Singing (1981) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 4.7/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Grass Is Singing are led by Karen Black . The supporting cast, including John Thaw and John Kani , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While The Grass Is Singing 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 Grass Is Singing 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 Grass Is Singing
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1981, The Grass Is Singing is a Drama film directed by Michael Raeburn, written by Michael Raeburn. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Karen Black as Mary Turner.
Ending Explained: The Grass Is Singing
The Grass Is Singing Ending Explained: In Southern Rhodesia in the 1940s, city-dweller Mary marries farmer Dick Turner and is plucked from the comforts of her cosmopolitan life and forced to live on his unsuccessful farm. Directed by Michael Raeburn, this 1981 drama film stars Karen Black (Mary Turner), alongside John Thaw as Dick Turner, John Kani as Moses, Patrick Mynhardt as Charlie Muller. Rated 4.7/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of The Grass Is Singing?
In Southern Rhodesia in the 1940s, city-dweller Mary marries farmer Dick Turner and is plucked from the comforts of her cosmopolitan life and forced to live on his unsuccessful farm. Mary slowly goes insane and has a sexual affair with her black servant, Moses. When the affair is discovered, Mary asks Moses to leave the farm, but he returns and murders her.
Michael Raeburn's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Karen Black (Mary Turner)'s journey. Mary slowly goes insane and has a sexual affair with her black servant, Moses.
How Does Karen Black (Mary Turner)'s Story End?
- Karen Black: Karen Black's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- John Thaw (Dick Turner): John Thaw's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- John Kani (Moses): John Kani's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Grass Is Singing Mean?
The ending of The Grass Is Singing brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Karen Black's story may not satisfy all audiences.
The Grass Is Singing Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Grass Is Singing Based on a True Story?
No, The Grass Is Singing is a work of fiction. While the drama film directed by Michael Raeburn and starring Karen Black may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Grass Is Singing?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Where to Watch The Grass Is Singing Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
YouTube🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TV StoreYouTubeThe Grass Is Singing Parents Guide & Age Rating
1981 AdvisoryWondering about The Grass Is Singing age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Grass Is Singing (1981) is 105 minutes (1h 45m). Directed by Michael Raeburn, the film runs for 105 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 4.7/10, and global performance metrics, The Grass Is Singing is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1981 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Grass Is Singing worth watching?
The Grass Is Singing is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 4.7/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Grass Is Singing parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Grass Is Singing identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Grass Is Singing (1981)?
The runtime of The Grass Is Singing (1981) is 105 minutes (approximately 1h 45m).
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.
