The Ruffian
The Ruffian Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 16, 2026
Movie Overview: The Ruffian
| Movie | The Ruffian |
| Release Year | 1983 |
| Director | José Giovanni |
| Genre | Drama / Adventure / Comedy |
| Runtime | 108 minutes (1h 48m) |
| Language | FR |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Ruffian (1983) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.3/10. 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 Ruffian are led by Lino Ventura . The supporting cast, including Bernard Giraudeau and Claude Cardinale , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While The Ruffian 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 Ruffian 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 Ruffian
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1983, The Ruffian is a Drama, Adventure, Comedy film directed by José Giovanni, written by José Giovanni. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Lino Ventura as Aldo.
Ending Explained: The Ruffian
The Ruffian Ending Explained: The adventures of a group of friends who plan to recover crates full of gold from a fall in Canada. Directed by José Giovanni, this 1983 drama film stars Lino Ventura (Aldo), alongside Bernard Giraudeau as Gérard, Claude Cardinale as La 'baronne', Pierre Frag as John. With a 6.3/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of The Ruffian?
The adventures of a group of friends who plan to recover crates full of gold from a fall in Canada.
How Does Lino Ventura (Aldo)'s Story End?
- Lino Ventura: Lino Ventura's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Bernard Giraudeau (Gérard): Bernard Giraudeau's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Claude Cardinale (La 'baronne'): Claude Cardinale's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Ruffian Mean?
The Ruffian's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Lino Ventura may feel rushed. José Giovanni's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
The Ruffian Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Ruffian Based on a True Story?
No, The Ruffian is a work of fiction. While the drama, adventure, comedy film directed by José Giovanni and starring Lino Ventura may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Ruffian?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Lino Ventura or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Where to Watch The Ruffian Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV Store🏷️ Buy on
Apple TV StoreThe Ruffian Parents Guide & Age Rating
1983 AdvisoryWondering about The Ruffian age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Ruffian (1983) is 108 minutes (1h 48m). Directed by José Giovanni, the film runs for 108 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.3/10, and global performance metrics, The Ruffian is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1983 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Ruffian worth watching?
The Ruffian is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.3/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Ruffian parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Ruffian identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Ruffian (1983)?
The runtime of The Ruffian (1983) is 108 minutes (approximately 1h 48m).
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.




