Is The Petrified Forest Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Petrified Forest is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 118 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
The Petrified Forest Review
Last updated: January 11, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1973, The Petrified Forest enters the Crime genre with a narrative focused on Follows a young med student's relationships with two women: a dangerous affair with a childhood friend and his mother's struggle to rebuild their estranged relationship. Under the direction of Masahiro Shinoda, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Kenichi Hagiwara. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, The Petrified Forest offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, The Petrified Forest resonates with current cultural themes in the Crime space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of early 2026, The Petrified Forest is available for streaming on Criterion Channel. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of The Petrified Forest centers on a unique premise within the Crime landscape. Follows a young med student's relationships with two women: a dangerous affair with a childhood friend and his mother's struggle to rebuild their estranged relationship. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1973 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of The Petrified Forest has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a The Petrified Forest sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for The Petrified Forest (1973): with an audience rating of 6/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of Crime, Drama cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Where to Watch The Petrified Forest Online?
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Criterion ChannelParents Guide & Age Rating
The Petrified Forest has not been officially rated yet. However, due to its genre classification (Crime, Drama), viewers should expect mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6/10, and global collection metrics, The Petrified Forest stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1973 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Petrified Forest movie hit or flop?
The Petrified Forest has received mixed reviews with a 6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Petrified Forest worth watching?
The Petrified Forest is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Crime, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Petrified Forest online?
The Petrified Forest is currently available for streaming on Criterion Channel. You can also check for it on platforms like Criterion Channel depending on your region.
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People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is The Petrified Forest movie hit or flop?
The Petrified Forest has received mixed reviews with a 6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Petrified Forest worth watching?
The Petrified Forest is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Crime, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Petrified Forest online?
The Petrified Forest is currently available for streaming on Criterion Channel. You can also check for it on platforms like Criterion Channel depending on your region.
What is the story of The Petrified Forest?
The Petrified Forest is a Crime, Drama movie that follows: Follows a young med student's relationships with two women: a dangerous affair with a childhood friend and his mother's struggle to rebuild their estranged relationship....
Is The Petrified Forest family friendly?
The Petrified Forest falls under Crime, Drama, which often contain intense scenes. Parental discretion is advised.
What language is The Petrified Forest available in?
The Petrified Forest is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Synopsis
Follows a young med student's relationships with two women: a dangerous affair with a childhood friend and his mother's struggle to rebuild their estranged relationship.
Critic Reviews
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