Is Under the Greenwood Tree Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Under the Greenwood Tree is likely a skip if you enjoy movies.
It features a runtime of 60 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Under the Greenwood Tree Review
Last updated: January 12, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2020, Under the Greenwood Tree emerges as a significant entry in the Cinema domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of This documentary focuses on The Public Theater’s 2017 Public Works musical production of As You Like It, which was performed by 200 New Yorkers of all ages and boroughs, and was named one of the Top Ten shows of 2017 by The New York Times. Unlike standard genre fare, Under the Greenwood Tree 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 Guto Barra, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Film elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Film is often anchored by its ensemble, and Under the Greenwood Tree features a noteworthy lineup led by Troy Anthony. Supported by the likes of Ato Blankson-Wood and Julie Stein Brockway, 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 Troy Anthony, Ato Blankson-Wood, Julie Stein Brockway manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 2020 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Cinema space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, Under the Greenwood Tree 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 Under the Greenwood Tree follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 60 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, Under the Greenwood Tree resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Film 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, Under the Greenwood Tree is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the boundaries of human experience. This documentary focuses on The Public Theater’s 2017 Public Works musical production of As You Like It, which was performed by 200 New Yorkers of all ages and boroughs, and was named one of the Top Ten shows of 2017 by The New York Times. Co-adapted by Shaina Taub and Laurie Woolery, with music and lyrics by Shaina Taub, original choreography by Sonya Tayeh, and direction by Laurie Woolery, As You Like It was set to be remounted as part of the 2020 Free Shakespeare in the Park season, but those plans were halted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This film tracks the creation of As You Like It and the ways this resilient community has banded together amidst the crises of 2020.
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 Under the Greenwood Tree (2020) is overwhelmingly negative. With an audience rating of 0/10 and strong performance metrics in the Cinema categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Troy Anthony, Ato Blankson-Wood, Julie Stein Brockway or the visual majesty of its technical execution, Under the Greenwood Tree is a significant contribution to the cinema of 2020. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Under the Greenwood Tree has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 0/10, and global collection metrics, Under the Greenwood Tree stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2020 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Under the Greenwood Tree movie hit or flop?
Under the Greenwood Tree is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 0/10 and lower collections.
Is Under the Greenwood Tree worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 0/10, Under the Greenwood Tree may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Under the Greenwood Tree online?
Under the Greenwood Tree may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Synopsis
This documentary focuses on The Public Theater’s 2017 Public Works musical production of As You Like It, which was performed by 200 New Yorkers of all ages and boroughs, and was named one of the Top Ten shows of 2017 by The New York Times. Co-adapted by Shaina Taub and Laurie Woolery, with music and lyrics by Shaina Taub, original choreography by Sonya Tayeh, and direction by Laurie Woolery, As You Like It was set to be remounted as part of the 2020 Free Shakespeare in the Park season, but those plans were halted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This film tracks the creation of As You Like It and the ways this resilient community has banded together amidst the crises of 2020.