The One
Performance & Direction: The One Review
Last updated: February 13, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The One (2001) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Action.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and The One features a noteworthy lineup led by Jet Li . Supported by the likes of Carla Gugino and Delroy Lindo , 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 One
Quick Plot Summary: The One is a Action, Science Fiction, Thriller film that delivers highly intense sequences and pulse-pounding confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The narrative structure follows a classic action blueprint: establish the protagonist's world, introduce a formidable antagonist, and escalate the stakes through increasingly intense confrontations. A sheriff's deputy fights an alternate universe version of himself who grows stronger with each alternate self he kills. The film balances spectacular set pieces with character moments, ensuring the action serves the story rather than overwhelming it. This approach calls everyone and everything into question as the plot unfolds.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title opens with an explosive sequence that immediately establishes the stakes and introduces our protagonist in action.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The final confrontation delivers on the buildup, with stakes at their highest and the protagonist using everything they've learned.
Ending Explained: The One
Ending Breakdown: The One concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, 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 action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The One reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The One?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Action films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want an adrenaline rush without demanding perfection
Box Office Collection: The One
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $49.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $72.7M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The One Budget
The estimated production budget for The One is $49.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: The One
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch The One Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TV StoreThe One Parents Guide & Age Rating
2001 AdvisoryWondering about The One age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The One is 87 minutes (1h 27m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.1/10, and global performance metrics, The One is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2001 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The One worth watching?
The One is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 6.1/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The One parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The One identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The One?
The total duration of The One is 87 minutes, which is approximately 1h 27m long.
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How The One Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The One
daft power fantasy I'll admit right away: I stopped watching after the first fifteen minutes. There's some fun to be had in super-powerful action heroes, bulletproof martial-arts, guns with unlimited ammo in their magic magazines. But this was just silly, bordering on stupid. If anything goes, then nothing matters. There is no real danger, the fictional stakes are supposedly high but effectively moot, and the motivations shallow. I didn't waste more of my time on this one, and I think neither should you. Some accomplished actors earned their paycheck here; good for them. A WOMBAT.
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.
