6.6
Where can I stream Only the River Flows legally?
You can rent or buy it from Amazon Video. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Only the River Flows
2023·Movie
·1h 42min·
Only the River Flows fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, no humor.
Energy
Nerve-racking
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension9
- Violence6
- Adrenaline4
Heart
Melancholic and moving
- Melancholy8
- Pathos7
- Family Dynamics4
Humor
Serious throughout
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Dark Humor2
- Satire & Parody1
World
Crime, mystery, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion9
- Ambiguity7
- Novelty7
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and storytelling
- Intrigue9
- Direction8
- Acting8
Style
Standout cinematography
- Cinematography8
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
HighNerve-racking
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Only the River Flows is nerve-racking. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension9Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence6Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline4High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Uncanny5Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
Heart
LowMelancholic and moving
Emotionally, it's melancholic and moving.
All heart traits
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Family Dynamics4Relationships and generational ties.
- Catharsis3Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia3Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Romance1Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
NoneSerious throughout
Expect almost no humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumCrime, mystery, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around crime, mystery, and the mind. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability5Invites repeat viewing.
Related traits
- Crime9Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Mystery9Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Historical7Period settings and real events.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and storytelling
The direction, performances, and storytelling stand out.
All craft traits
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Style
HighStandout cinematography
Look and sound: the cinematography stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality5Songs central to storytelling.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsPartner WatchSolo WatchThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You want something to laugh atYou need an uplifting moodYou want fast pacing
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
1990s, Banpo Town, rural China. A woman's body is found by the river. Ma Zhe, Chief of the Criminal Police, heads up the murder investigation that leads to an obvious arrest. His superiors hurry to congratulate him, but several clues push Ma Zhe to delve deeper into the hidden behaviour of his fellow citizens.
Atmospheric Crime ThrillerPsychological MysteryRural NoirBleak & UnsettlingSocial Critique1990s Period PieceHuman CorruptionInvestigator's DescentArthouse Cinema
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
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Questions about Only the River Flows
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Only the River Flows worth watching?
69
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 70/100 (IMDb 6.6, Rotten Tomatoes 85%, and Metacritic 70). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Only the River Flows rated?
ViolenceDisturbing imagery
Content advisories: violence and disturbing imagery.
How long is Only the River Flows?
1 h 42 min
Only the River Flows runs 1 h 42 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Only the River Flows?
Critics78
Audiences61
Not quite. Critics rate Only the River Flows higher (78) than audiences (61). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is Only the River Flows in?
Chinese
It was made in Chinese. Produced in China, Australia.
In how many countries can I watch Only the River Flows?
33
+19
+19GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Only the River Flows in 33 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.