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Drama

Three Seconds (2017): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Three Seconds (2017) movie poster

Three Seconds is a 2017 drama directed by Anton Megerdichev, starring John Savage as тренер сборной США Генри Айба, Sergey Garmash and Chidi Ajufo. It runs 2 hours 13 minutes and earned $108.6 million worldwide on a $7.5 million budget. It holds 68% on TMDB.

worldwide gross
$108.6M
Echo Score
72
budget
$7.5M
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Three Seconds (2017) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 13m (133 min)
Genre
Drama
Original language
Russian
Budget
$7.5M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Three Seconds About?

The premise of Three Seconds without spoilers.

The 1972 Munich Olympics saw the U.S. basketball team suffer their first defeat in 36 years, sparking a lasting controversy. During the final game against the Soviet Union, a buzzer sounded during a crucial free throw, seemingly giving the U.S. a one-point lead. The Soviets asserted they had called a timeout beforehand, leading to confusion and the clock being reset twice, ultimately resulting in a Soviet victory. The U.S. team protested the outcome, but the jury ruled in favor of the USSR, and the American players declined their silver medals. The Soviet players were celebrated as national heroes.

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Cast & crew

Three Seconds Cast & Characters

John Savage leads the cast as тренер сборной США Генри Айба, with Sergey Garmash as председатель Госкомспорта Сергей Павлов and Chidi Ajufo as игрок сборной США Джим Брюэр. Directed by Anton Megerdichev; 39 actors are credited in all.

  • John Savage as тренер сборной США Генри Айба in Three Seconds John Savage as тренер сборной США Генри Айба
  • Sergey Garmash as председатель Госкомспорта Сергей Павлов in Three Seconds Sergey Garmash as председатель Госкомспорта Сергей Павлов
  • Chidi Ajufo as игрок сборной США Джим Брюэр in Three Seconds Chidi Ajufo as игрок сборной США Джим Брюэр
  • Marat Basharov as чиновник Госкомспорта Терещенко

Also Starring in Three Seconds

· 35 more
Show all 39 cast members
From the director

More from Anton Megerdichev

More films directed by Anton Megerdichev: Land of Legends, Metro and Dark World.

Full filmography
Ratings

Three Seconds Reviews & Ratings

Three Seconds holds 68% on TMDB. Our Echo Score gives it 72/100, strongest in sensory experience (80) and weakest in story & flow (58).

72 /100

Three Seconds Echo Score Breakdown

Three Seconds delivers a visually striking portrayal of the 1972 Olympic basketball saga, supported by strong cinematography and a heartfelt emotional core that resonates with many viewers. While the film excels in its artistic presentation and occasional tear‑jerker moments, critics note uneven storytelling and character motivation, along with instances of historical inaccuracy. The combination of compelling visuals and mixed narrative execution results in a film that engages on first viewing but offers limited incentive for repeated viewings.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 78

    In terms of direction and visual craftsmanship, the film is praised for its striking cinematography and polished production design. Reviewers highlight the stunning camera work and overall aesthetic as a high point, even when other elements falter. Despite occasional criticisms of pacing, the artistic execution remains a notable strength, leaving a solid impression of technical proficiency.

  • Character & Emotion 65

    When assessing character depth and performances, the movie elicits both empathy and criticism. Some viewers commend the emotional resonance and chemistry among the ensemble, describing genuine moments of laughter and tears. However, other feedback points to underdeveloped motivations and inconsistent portrayals, especially concerning historical figures. The overall character work is therefore moderate, balancing effective moments with notable gaps.

  • Story & Flow 58

    Regarding plot coherence and narrative flow, opinions are mixed. Several reviewers appreciate the engaging, fable‑like structure that captures the spirit of the historic game. Yet, criticism arises over disjointed storylines, implausible character arcs, and factual inaccuracies that undermine credibility. The pacing is described as measured by some, but overall the storytelling is seen as uneven, limiting narrative satisfaction.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    The sensory experience stands out as a dominant strength. Critics repeatedly note the film's vivid visual style, effective use of color palettes, and compelling sound design that enhances the sporting atmosphere. While specific commentary on the score is limited, the overall sensory cohesion contributes positively to immersion, making the viewing experience striking and memorable.

  • Rewatch Factor 70

    In terms of replay value, the film garners moderate enthusiasm. Its emotional moments and visual appeal encourage some viewers to recommend a second watch. Conversely, concerns over historical distortion and narrative flaws lead others to label it a one‑time viewing. Consequently, the rewatch factor lands in the middle range, reflecting both appeal and reservations.

Box office

Three Seconds Box Office & Budget

Three Seconds grossed $108.6 million worldwide on a $7.5 million budget, 14 times what it cost.

2017 box office

Worldwide gross

$108.6M

14× its budget

International
$108.6M
Budget
$7.5M
Details

Three Seconds Also Known As

19 alternative titles, including “一跃而上” and “Dvizhenie Vverkh”.

Also known as
  • 一跃而上
  • Dvizhenie Vverkh
  • 绝杀慕尼黑
  • Virzība augšup
  • Рух вгору
  • Движение нагоре
  • Tres segundos
  • Три секунде за вечност
  • 3 sekundy
  • Τρία Δευτερόλεπτα
  • Going Vertical
  • 쓰리 세컨즈
+7 more
  • 絕殺慕尼黑
  • Tri sekundy
  • Três Segundos
  • 3 secondes
  • Výskok
  • Tre secondi per la vittoria
  • 3 sekundės

Seen Three Seconds?

FAQ

Three Seconds FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of Three Seconds, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Three Seconds?

Three Seconds runs 2 hours 13 minutes (133 minutes).

When was Three Seconds released?

Three Seconds was released on December 28, 2017.

Who directed Three Seconds?

Three Seconds was directed by Anton Megerdichev.

More films by Anton Megerdichev

Who is in the cast of Three Seconds?

Three Seconds stars John Savage as тренер сборной США Генри Айба, Sergey Garmash as председатель Госкомспорта Сергей Павлов and Chidi Ajufo as игрок сборной США Джим Брюэр, among 39 credited actors.

How much did Three Seconds make at the box office?

Three Seconds grossed $108.6 million worldwide on a budget of $7.5 million.

How is Three Seconds rated?

Three Seconds has 68% on TMDB and 3.3/5 on Letterboxd.

Does Three Seconds have a post-credit scene?

No. Three Seconds has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Three Seconds in?

The original language of Three Seconds is Russian.

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