Is The War Game Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The War Game is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 80 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The War Game Review
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2017, The War Game emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of When 11-year-old Malte moves with his mother to a new neighborhood, he quickly finds himself in a feud between two rivaling gangs. Unlike standard genre fare, The War Game attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Goran Kapetanović, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Drama elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and The War Game features a noteworthy lineup led by Malin Levanon. Supported by the likes of Loke Hellberg and Meja Björkefall, 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. However, the sheer charisma of Malin Levanon, Loke Hellberg, Meja Björkefall manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 2017 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Drama space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, The War Game is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of The War Game follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 80 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, The War Game resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Drama landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 0/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, The War Game is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the complexity of relationships. When 11-year-old Malte moves with his mother to a new neighborhood, he quickly finds himself in a feud between two rivaling gangs. His cunning and skill helps him find a place in this new world. But his methods also serve to escalate the conflict, and it's not long until war is inevitable.
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The War Game (2017) is overwhelmingly negative. With an audience rating of 0/10 and strong performance metrics in the Drama categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Malin Levanon, Loke Hellberg, Meja Björkefall or the visual majesty of its technical execution, The War Game is a significant contribution to the cinema of 2017. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
The War Game Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Set within the thematic framework of the Drama genre, The War Game delivers a narrative that attempts to balance character development with structural high-points.
The core plot centers around the following premise: "When 11-year-old Malte moves with his mother to a new neighborhood, he quickly finds himself in a feud between two rivaling gangs. His cunning and skill helps him find a place in this new world. But his methods also serve to escalate the conflict, and it's not long until war is inevitable."
As the story progresses, the director focuses on building tension through deliberate character interactions, leading to a culmination that has sparked significant discussion among audience members.
The War Game Ending Explained & Final Analysis
The conclusion of The War Game leaves several plot threads for interpretation. In the final act, the narrative shifts from exposition to a more complex resolution that ties together the various character arcs introduced earlier.
Key Takeaways from the Ending:
- Resolution: The main conflict reaches a turning point that defines the future status of the lead characters.
- Theme: The final scenes emphasize the underlying themes of Drama that the film explored throughout its runtime.
- Discussion: Many viewers have noted the unusual way the final shot was framed, which serves as a lasting image of the movie's legacy.
Ultimately, The War Game's ending serves as a definitive close to this chapter, though the logic used provides enough ambiguity to keep fans debating its true meaning long after the credits roll.
Where to Watch The War Game Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Flix Premiere🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
The War Game has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 0/10, and global collection metrics, The War Game stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2017 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The War Game movie hit or flop?
The War Game is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 0/10 and lower collections.
Is The War Game worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 0/10, The War Game may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch The War Game online?
The War Game is currently available for streaming on Flix Premiere. You can also check for it on platforms like Flix Premiere depending on your region.
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Synopsis
When 11-year-old Malte moves with his mother to a new neighborhood, he quickly finds himself in a feud between two rivaling gangs. His cunning and skill helps him find a place in this new world. But his methods also serve to escalate the conflict, and it's not long until war is inevitable.