Is The Sword and the Balance Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Sword and the Balance is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 138 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
The Sword and the Balance Review
Last updated: January 9, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1963, The Sword and the Balance enters the Drama genre with a narrative focused on Three young men are suspected of kidnapping and murdering a little boy. Under the direction of André Cayatte, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Anthony Perkins, Jean-Claude Brialy, Renato Salvatori. The chemistry between the leads drives the emotional core of the movie, making the stakes feel genuine.
Technical Aspects & Direction
From a technical standpoint, The Sword and the Balance offers a visually stunning presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone, though the pacing during its 138-minute runtime can feel deliberate.
Where to Watch
As of January 2026, The Sword and the Balance is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US and UK, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45 days after the theatrical release. Check your local listings for specific showtimes.
Final Thoughts
With an audience rating of 7.6/10, the reception has been generally positive. For fans of Drama, Thriller, Crime, it serves as a worthy addition to the watchlist.
Cast of The Sword and the Balance
- Anthony Perkins – Johnny Parsons
- Jean-Claude Brialy – Jean-Philippe
- Renato Salvatori – François
- Pascale Audret – Agnès
- Jacques Monod – Commissioner
Top Highlights
Anthony PerkinsJohnny Parsons
Jean-Claude BrialyJean-Philippe
Renato SalvatoriFrançois
Pascale AudretAgnès
Jacques MonodCommissioner
Marie DéaMadame Winter
Horst JansonMac
Fernand LedouxProsecutor
Maurice ChevitInspector
Anne ToniettiChristine Prévost
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.6/10, and global collection metrics, The Sword and the Balance stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1963 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Sword and the Balance movie hit or flop?
The Sword and the Balance is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.6/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Drama, Thriller, Crime movies.
Is The Sword and the Balance worth watching?
Yes, The Sword and the Balance is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Drama, Thriller, Crime cinema.
What genre is The Sword and the Balance?
The Sword and the Balance is a Drama, Thriller, Crime movie that Three young men are suspected of kidnapping and murdering a little boy. Most likely, two of them are really involved, but one is not. All of their pas...
