What Is Cinema? Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Movie Overview: What Is Cinema?
| Movie | What Is Cinema? |
| Release Year | 2013 |
| Director | Chuck Workman |
| Genre | Documentary |
| Runtime | 80 minutes (1h 20m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is What Is Cinema? (2013) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Documentary.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in What Is Cinema? are led by Chantal Akerman . The supporting cast, including Robert Altman and David Lynch , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
What Is Cinema? stands out as a strong entry in the Documentary 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 Documentary narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, What Is Cinema? 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 Documentary fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: What Is Cinema?
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2013, What Is Cinema? is a Documentary film directed by Chuck Workman, written by Chuck Workman. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Chantal Akerman as Self.
Ending Explained: What Is Cinema?
What Is Cinema? Ending Explained: Using the words and ideas of great filmmakers, from archival interviews with Alfred Hitchcock and Robert Bresson to new interviews with Mike Leigh, David Lynch, and Jonas Mekas, Oscar-winning filmmaker Chuck Workman shows what these filmmakers and others do that can't be expressed in words - but only in cinema. Directed by Chuck Workman, this 2013 documentary film stars Chantal Akerman (Self), alongside Robert Altman as Self, David Lynch as Self, Costa-Gavras as Self. With a 6.5/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of What Is Cinema??
Using the words and ideas of great filmmakers, from archival interviews with Alfred Hitchcock and Robert Bresson to new interviews with Mike Leigh, David Lynch, and Jonas Mekas, Oscar-winning filmmaker Chuck Workman shows what these filmmakers and others do that can't be expressed in words - but only in cinema.
How Does Chantal Akerman (Self)'s Story End?
- Chantal Akerman: Chantal Akerman's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Robert Altman (Self): Robert Altman's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- David Lynch (Self): David Lynch's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of What Is Cinema? Mean?
What Is Cinema?'s ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Chantal Akerman may feel rushed. Chuck Workman's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
What Is Cinema? Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is What Is Cinema? Based on a True Story?
No, What Is Cinema? is a work of fiction. While the documentary film directed by Chuck Workman and starring Chantal Akerman may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch What Is Cinema??
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Documentaries films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Chantal Akerman or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
At just 80 minutes, it's a quick watch.
Where to Watch What Is Cinema? Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
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Apple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeWhat Is Cinema? Parents Guide & Age Rating
2013 AdvisoryWondering about What Is Cinema? age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of What Is Cinema? (2013) is 80 minutes (1h 20m). Directed by Chuck Workman, the film runs for 80 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.5/10, and global performance metrics, What Is Cinema? is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2013 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is What Is Cinema? worth watching?
What Is Cinema? is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Documentary movies. It has a verified rating of 6.5/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find What Is Cinema? parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for What Is Cinema? identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of What Is Cinema? (2013)?
The runtime of What Is Cinema? (2013) is 80 minutes (approximately 1h 20m).
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.
