The Third Generation

  • 1979
  • NR
  • 110m
movieMx RATING
5.9/1050
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: The Third Generation Review

Last updated: February 19, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: February 19, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is The Third Generation (1979) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.9/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Third Generation features a noteworthy lineup led by Harry Baer . Supported by the likes of Hark Bohm and Margit Carstensen , 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?

In summary, our editorial assessment of The Third Generation (1979) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.9/10, it stands as a decent one-time watch.
Result: ABOVE AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, The Third Generation stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: The Third Generation

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1979, The Third Generation is a Comedy, Crime, Drama film directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Harry Baer.

Ending Explained: The Third Generation

Ending Breakdown: Directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder, The Third Generation attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.

The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Harry Baer, 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 comedy themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of The Third Generation reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

The Third Generation Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

The Third Generation incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a comedy, crime, drama film directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Harry Baer's character.

Historical Context

The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.

Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.

Accuracy Assessment: The Third Generation adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.

Who Should Watch The Third Generation?

Consider Watching If:

  • You're a completist for Comedy films
  • You're curious despite mixed reviews
  • You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Top Cast: The Third Generation

All Cast & Crew →
Harry Baer
Harry BaerRudolf Mann
Hark Bohm
Hark BohmGerhard Gast
Margit Carstensen
Margit CarstensenPetra Vielhaber
Jürgen Draeger
Jürgen DraegerHans Vielhaber
Udo Kier
Udo KierEdgar Gast
Hanna Schygulla
Hanna SchygullaSusanne Gast
Bulle Ogier
Bulle OgierHilde Krieger
Günther Kaufmann
Günther KaufmannFranz Walsch
Claus Holm
Claus HolmOpa Gast
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Where to Watch The Third Generation Online?

Streaming Hub

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The Third Generation Parents Guide & Age Rating

1979 Advisory
NR

Official Age Rating

Wondering about The Third Generation age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

The Third Generation is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of The Third Generation is 110 minutes (1h 50m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.9/10, and global performance metrics, The Third Generation is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1979 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for The Third Generation. Rating: 5.9/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Third Generation worth watching?

The Third Generation is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 5.9/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find The Third Generation parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for The Third Generation identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of The Third Generation?

The total duration of The Third Generation is 110 minutes, which is approximately 1h 50m long.

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Critic Reviews for The Third Generation

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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.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 5.9
The Third Generation
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