Is Black Roses Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1935)

📖 The Core Premise

Black Roses returns to the screen in 1935, bringing a fresh narrative to the Drama genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Erkki Collin is a hunted man. The Czar’s soldiers have been close on the heels of the leader of the rebellious Finns, who have been fighting the Russian occupiers since the end of the 18th Century. His flight leads him to the chambers of the dancer Marina Feodorowna, in whose house a party is taking place at that very moment. Marina discovers the intruder, hides him from his pursuers and soon falls in love with him. But hiding Erkki forever is not an option; so she presents him as her music teacher. The swindle fails and Prince Governor Abarow, who’s long had a thing for Marina, discovers the real identity of the man, but doesn’t have him arrested."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. While not a career-best, Lilian Harvey's presence adds a necessary stability to the proceedings. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Drama. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Black Roses worth your time? If you appreciate Drama films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Black Roses is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 93 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.