The Wild Duck Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Movie Overview: The Wild Duck
| Movie | The Wild Duck |
| Release Year | 1963 |
| Director | Tancred Ibsen |
| Genre | Drama |
| Runtime | 106 minutes (1h 46m) |
| Language | NO |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Wild Duck (1963) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.3/10. 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 Wild Duck are led by Henki Kolstad . The supporting cast, including Wenche Foss and Lars Nordrum , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While The Wild Duck 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 Wild Duck 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 Wild Duck
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1963, The Wild Duck is a Drama film directed by Tancred Ibsen, written by Tancred Ibsen. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Henki Kolstad as Hjalmar Ekdal.
Ending Explained: The Wild Duck
The Wild Duck Ending Explained: The play opens in the study at Hakon Werle's house during a dinner party for the return of Werle's son, Gregers, from the Hoidal mines. Directed by Tancred Ibsen, this 1963 drama film stars Henki Kolstad (Hjalmar Ekdal), alongside Wenche Foss as Gina Ekdal, Lars Nordrum as Gregers Werle, Kjersti Dalbye as Hedvig. Rated 5.3/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of The Wild Duck?
The play opens in the study at Hakon Werle's house during a dinner party for the return of Werle's son, Gregers, from the Hoidal mines. Gregers has not come home for fifteen years. Old Ekdal appears before two servants, begging to be let into the office. Ekdal was an army officer and partner to Werle until a forestry scandal sent him to prison over some scandal. He now works as one of Werle's copyists.
Tancred Ibsen's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Henki Kolstad (Hjalmar Ekdal)'s journey. Gregers has not come home for fifteen years.
How Does Henki Kolstad (Hjalmar Ekdal)'s Story End?
- Henki Kolstad: Henki Kolstad's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Wenche Foss (Gina Ekdal): Wenche Foss's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Lars Nordrum (Gregers Werle): Lars Nordrum's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Wild Duck Mean?
The ending of The Wild Duck brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Henki Kolstad's story may not satisfy all audiences.
The Wild Duck Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Wild Duck Based on a True Story?
No, The Wild Duck is a work of fiction. While the drama film directed by Tancred Ibsen and starring Henki Kolstad may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Wild Duck?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
The Wild Duck Parents Guide & Age Rating
1963 AdvisoryWondering about The Wild Duck age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Wild Duck (1963) is 106 minutes (1h 46m). Directed by Tancred Ibsen, the film runs for 106 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.3/10, and global performance metrics, The Wild Duck is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1963 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Wild Duck worth watching?
The Wild Duck is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 5.3/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Wild Duck parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Wild Duck identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Wild Duck (1963)?
The runtime of The Wild Duck (1963) is 106 minutes (approximately 1h 46m).
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.
