Is The Train Rolls On Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1971)

📖 The Core Premise

The Train Rolls On stands as a 1971 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the Documentary landscape. 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. "This half-hour documentary by Chris Marker explores Aleksandr Medvedkin’s 1930s “Cine-Train,” a mobile film studio equipped with cameras, editing rooms, animation stations, and a laboratory. Traveling across the Soviet countryside, the train’s crew documented agricultural and industrial life—from Ukrainian harvests to southern steelworks—while living and working in cramped shared quarters."

🎬 Performance & Direction

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

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is The Train Rolls On 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 Train Rolls On is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 32 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.