The Living Corpse Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 15, 2026
Movie Overview: The Living Corpse
| Movie | The Living Corpse |
| Release Year | 1952 |
| Director | Vladimir Vengerov |
| Genre | Drama |
| Runtime | 170 minutes (2h 50m) |
| Language | RU |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Living Corpse (1952) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.5/10. 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 Living Corpse are led by Nikolai Simonov . The supporting cast, including Galina Iniutina and Yelizaveta Time , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
The Living Corpse stands out as a strong entry in the Drama genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Drama narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Living Corpse 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 Living Corpse
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1952, The Living Corpse is a Drama film directed by Vladimir Vengerov. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Nikolai Simonov as Fyodor Vasilievich Protasov (Fedya).
Ending Explained: The Living Corpse
The Living Corpse Ending Explained: The Russian nobleman Fyodor Vasilievich Protasov cannot put up with the hypocrisy of his environment, but is powerless to fight it. Directed by Vladimir Vengerov, this 1952 drama film stars Nikolai Simonov (Fyodor Vasilievich Protasov (Fedya)), alongside Galina Iniutina as Yelizaveta Andreyevna Protasova (Liza), Yelizaveta Time as Anna Pavlovna, Liza's Mother, Klavdiya Trofimova as Sasha, Liza's Sister. With a 6.5/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of The Living Corpse?
The Russian nobleman Fyodor Vasilievich Protasov cannot put up with the hypocrisy of his environment, but is powerless to fight it. He begins to drink, leaves the house and gradually falls. The behavior of Protasov helps to bring his wife Liza closer to a longtime friend of the family, Viktor Karenin. Unable to endure the lies and humiliation associated with the upcoming divorce proceedings, Fedya pretends to commit suicide and seemed to forever leave his family. It is only due to the accident that it becomes known that Fedor Protasov is alive. Liza, reconciled with the death of her husband and became the wife of Karenin, is summoned to court on charges of duality. To stop the stupid and deceitful comedy of the court and rid the shame of innocent people, Protasov shoots himself.
Vladimir Vengerov's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Nikolai Simonov (Fyodor Vasilievich Protasov (Fedya))'s journey. He begins to drink, leaves the house and gradually falls.
How Does Nikolai Simonov (Fyodor Vasilievich Protasov (Fedya))'s Story End?
- Nikolai Simonov: Nikolai Simonov's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Galina Iniutina (Yelizaveta Andreyevna Protasova (Liza)): Galina Iniutina's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Yelizaveta Time (Anna Pavlovna, Liza's Mother): Yelizaveta Time's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Living Corpse Mean?
The Living Corpse's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Nikolai Simonov may feel rushed. Vladimir Vengerov's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
The Living Corpse Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Living Corpse Based on a True Story?
No, The Living Corpse is a work of fiction. While the drama film directed by Vladimir Vengerov and starring Nikolai Simonov may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Living Corpse?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Nikolai Simonov or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Be prepared for a long sit at 2h 50m.
The Living Corpse Parents Guide & Age Rating
1952 AdvisoryWondering about The Living Corpse age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Living Corpse (1952) is 170 minutes (2h 50m). Directed by Vladimir Vengerov, the film runs for 170 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.5/10, and global performance metrics, The Living Corpse is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1952 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Living Corpse worth watching?
The Living Corpse is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.5/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Living Corpse parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Living Corpse identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Living Corpse (1952)?
The runtime of The Living Corpse (1952) is 170 minutes (approximately 2h 50m).
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.
