The Vertical Smile Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 16, 2026
Movie Overview: The Vertical Smile
| Movie | The Vertical Smile |
| Release Year | 1973 |
| Director | Robert Lapoujade |
| Genre | Drama |
| Runtime | 110 minutes (1h 50m) |
| Language | FR |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Vertical Smile (1973) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 8.0/10. 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 Vertical Smile are led by Françoise Brion . The supporting cast, including François Perrot and Henri Serre , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
The Vertical Smile stands out as a strong entry in the Drama genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Drama narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Vertical Smile 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 Vertical Smile
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1973, The Vertical Smile is a Drama film directed by Robert Lapoujade, written by Robert Lapoujade. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Françoise Brion as Lennie.
Ending Explained: The Vertical Smile
The Vertical Smile Ending Explained: A kaleidoscope of images from history populate this skillfully animated French feature. Directed by Robert Lapoujade, this 1973 drama film stars Françoise Brion (Lennie), alongside François Perrot as Relde, Henri Serre as Tablo, Olivier Hussenot as Doux Donnie. With a 8/10 audience rating, the ending has been widely praised.
What Happens at the End of The Vertical Smile?
A kaleidoscope of images from history populate this skillfully animated French feature. The story concerns a history professor whose ideas about human history cause him distress. Amid a flurry of newsreel-type images, Joan of Arc's trial is shown. Another theme which emerges is of two ages (in the far past and far future) in which naked humans fight one another with animalistic aggression.
Robert Lapoujade's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Françoise Brion (Lennie)'s journey. The story concerns a history professor whose ideas about human history cause him distress.
How Does Françoise Brion (Lennie)'s Story End?
- Françoise Brion: Françoise Brion's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Robert Lapoujade delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 1h 50m runtime.
- François Perrot (Relde): François Perrot's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Henri Serre (Tablo): Henri Serre's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Vertical Smile Mean?
The Vertical Smile concludes with Robert Lapoujade reinforcing the drama themes established throughout the film. The final moments with Françoise Brion leave a lasting impression — the ending is both a resolution and a statement about the story's central questions.
The Vertical Smile Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Vertical Smile Based on a True Story?
No, The Vertical Smile is a work of fiction. While the drama film directed by Robert Lapoujade and starring Françoise Brion may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Vertical Smile?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Drama cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate emotionally resonant character studies and meaningful themes
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
The Vertical Smile Parents Guide & Age Rating
1973 AdvisoryWondering about The Vertical Smile age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Vertical Smile (1973) is 110 minutes (1h 50m). Directed by Robert Lapoujade, the film runs for 110 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 8.0/10, and global performance metrics, The Vertical Smile is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1973 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Vertical Smile worth watching?
The Vertical Smile is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 8/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Vertical Smile parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Vertical Smile identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Vertical Smile (1973)?
The runtime of The Vertical Smile (1973) is 110 minutes (approximately 1h 50m).
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.
