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Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for The Illegal Film.

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★ WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified

Is The Illegal Film Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2019)

Since time immemorial, we have used images to form a picture of the world. But never before has there been as much filming and photography as there is currently. But how do people ...

✹ The Quick Verdict

SKIP IT

If you are a fan of Documentary cinema, then The Illegal Film offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 2019 landscape.

đŸ‘„ Target Audience

✓ Fans of Documentary films
✓ casual viewers seeking light entertainment

📔 Detailed Analysis

📖 The Core Premise

The Illegal Film returns to the screen in 2019, bringing a fresh narrative to the Documentary 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. "Since time immemorial, we have used images to form a picture of the world. But never before has there been as much filming and photography as there is currently. But how do people deal with it when the world and its image merge? The filmmakers Claus Wischmann and Martin Baer show how quickly and profoundly the way we deal with images is changing. Will we eventually move into a world in which reality and image can no longer be distinguished from each other?"

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Cem Kaya attempts to elevate the material, but the direction leaves them with little to work with. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Documentary. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

đŸ€” Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is The Illegal Film worth your time? If you appreciate Documentary 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, The Illegal Film misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 84 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.

⏳ Time Investment

84MIN

At approximately 1.4 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.