Wish Upon a Pike Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Movie Overview: Wish Upon a Pike
| Movie | Wish Upon a Pike |
| Release Year | 1938 |
| Director | Aleksandr Rou |
| Genre | Fantasy / Family |
| Runtime | 57 minutes (57m) |
| Language | RU |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Wish Upon a Pike (1938) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 4.9/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Fantasy.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Wish Upon a Pike are led by Pyotr Savin . The supporting cast, including Georgi Millyar and Vladimir Lepko , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Wish Upon a Pike does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Fantasy films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Wish Upon a Pike 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 Fantasy fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Wish Upon a Pike
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1938, Wish Upon a Pike is a Fantasy, Family film directed by Aleksandr Rou, written by Oleg Leonidov. The narrative transports viewers to imaginative worlds filled with magic, wonder, and epic adventures. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Pyotr Savin as Yemelya.
Ending Explained: Wish Upon a Pike
Wish Upon a Pike Ending Explained: Adapted from four different Russian folk-tales, this early Soviet fantasy film tells the story of Emelya the Fool, who, fishing one day, catches a talking pike who pleads for his life and in return grants Emelya wishes for a life spared. Directed by Aleksandr Rou, this 1938 fantasy film stars Pyotr Savin (Yemelya), alongside Georgi Millyar as Tsar Gorokh, Vladimir Lepko as Cook, Andrey Fayt as Mukhamed-aga. Rated 4.9/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of Wish Upon a Pike?
Adapted from four different Russian folk-tales, this early Soviet fantasy film tells the story of Emelya the Fool, who, fishing one day, catches a talking pike who pleads for his life and in return grants Emelya wishes for a life spared.
How Does Pyotr Savin (Yemelya)'s Story End?
- Pyotr Savin: Pyotr Savin's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Georgi Millyar (Tsar Gorokh): Georgi Millyar's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Vladimir Lepko (Cook): Vladimir Lepko's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Wish Upon a Pike Mean?
The ending of Wish Upon a Pike brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Pyotr Savin's story may not satisfy all audiences.
Wish Upon a Pike Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Wish Upon a Pike Based on a True Story?
No, Wish Upon a Pike is a work of fiction. While the fantasy, family film directed by Aleksandr Rou and starring Pyotr Savin may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch Wish Upon a Pike?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Fantasy films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
At just 57 minutes, it's a quick watch.
Wish Upon a Pike Parents Guide & Age Rating
1938 AdvisoryWondering about Wish Upon a Pike age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Wish Upon a Pike (1938) is 57 minutes (57m). Directed by Aleksandr Rou, the film runs for 57 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 4.9/10, and global performance metrics, Wish Upon a Pike is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1938 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wish Upon a Pike worth watching?
Wish Upon a Pike is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Fantasy movies. It has a verified rating of 4.9/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Wish Upon a Pike parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Wish Upon a Pike identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Wish Upon a Pike (1938)?
The runtime of Wish Upon a Pike (1938) is 57 minutes (approximately 0h 57m).
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.
