Is What a Wonderful World Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, What a Wonderful World is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 100 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
What a Wonderful World Review
Last updated: January 11, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1996, What a Wonderful World enters the Drama genre with a narrative focused on Andy Lau and Kenny Bee co-star in What a Wonderful World, a heartfelt and touching drama from director Samson Chiu (Golden Chicken). Under the direction of Samson Chiu, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Andy Lau. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, What a Wonderful World offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, What a Wonderful World resonates with current cultural themes in the Drama space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of early 2026, What a Wonderful World is available in theaters worldwide. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of What a Wonderful World centers on a unique premise within the Drama landscape. Andy Lau and Kenny Bee co-star in What a Wonderful World, a heartfelt and touching drama from director Samson Chiu (Golden Chicken). Andy Lau stars as a hotshot reporter who contracts a terminal disease. His days numbered, he decides to spend his remaining time chasing a big story. He journeys to Singapore, and tracks down a rogue trader (Kenny Bee), who brought down a large international bank with his illicit activities. Since he has nothing to lose, the reporter volunteers to become the trader's hostage, and uses their journey to find insight into his captor's offbeat criminal methods. But in learning the trader's story, he begins to learn something about the value of his own life, too. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1996 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of What a Wonderful World has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a What a Wonderful World sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for What a Wonderful World (1996): with an audience rating of 5.5/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of Drama, Comedy, Crime cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
What a Wonderful World has not been officially rated yet. However, due to its genre classification (Drama, Comedy, Crime), viewers should expect mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.5/10, and global collection metrics, What a Wonderful World stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1996 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is What a Wonderful World movie hit or flop?
What a Wonderful World has received mixed reviews with a 5.5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is What a Wonderful World worth watching?
What a Wonderful World is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Comedy, Crime movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch What a Wonderful World online?
What a Wonderful World 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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People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is What a Wonderful World movie hit or flop?
What a Wonderful World has received mixed reviews with a 5.5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is What a Wonderful World worth watching?
What a Wonderful World is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Comedy, Crime movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch What a Wonderful World online?
What a Wonderful World 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.
What is the story of What a Wonderful World?
What a Wonderful World is a Drama, Comedy, Crime movie that follows: Andy Lau and Kenny Bee co-star in What a Wonderful World, a heartfelt and touching drama from director Samson Chiu (Golden Chicken). Andy Lau stars as a hotshot reporter who contracts a terminal disea...
Is What a Wonderful World family friendly?
Yes, What a Wonderful World is generally suitable for family viewing as it is a Drama, Comedy, Crime movie.
What language is What a Wonderful World available in?
What a Wonderful World is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Synopsis
Andy Lau and Kenny Bee co-star in What a Wonderful World, a heartfelt and touching drama from director Samson Chiu (Golden Chicken). Andy Lau stars as a hotshot reporter who contracts a terminal disease. His days numbered, he decides to spend his remaining time chasing a big story. He journeys to Singapore, and tracks down a rogue trader (Kenny Bee), who brought down a large international bank with his illicit activities. Since he has nothing to lose, the reporter volunteers to become the trader's hostage, and uses their journey to find insight into his captor's offbeat criminal methods. But in learning the trader's story, he begins to learn something about the value of his own life, too.
Critic Reviews
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