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Karnaval

1999·Movie
1h 28min
65
GoodGoodWatch score

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Not streaming in any country yet.

Karnaval fingerprint

No humor.

Energy

Calm and low-key

Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.

  • Tension5
  • Violence4
  • Adrenaline2

Heart

Melancholic and moving

Much of it is about growing up and family.

  • Melancholy8
  • Coming of Age8
  • Pathos7

Humor

A little humor

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Wit & Wordplay3
  • Situational Comedy2
  • Cringe Humor2

World

Everyday modern life, growing up, and society

  • World Immersion7
  • Dialogue Centrality5
  • Novelty5

Craft

Solid, not remarkable

  • Acting7
  • Character Depth7
  • Direction6

Style

Functional look and sound

  • Cinematography6
  • Editing5
  • Music Composition4

Who it's for

AdultsPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchThought-Provoking

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About

Karnaval is set against a backdrop of intolerance and hostility in the gloomy Northern French city of Dunkirk. The story is set during carnival time, when the citizens let themselves loose for six weeks of partying, carousing and having a good time. The film centers on Larbi, an Arab youth, and his confrontation with one of the turning points of his life. After a violent argument with his father, Larbi decides to leave the family's business and go to Marseilles for a fresh start. On his last night in the town he grew up in, he sleeps in the hallway of an apartment building, where he is disturbed by Béa and Christian, a couple having fun at the carnival. Larbi is attracted to Béa and decides to stay a few more days to try his luck. In the free atmosphere of the carnival, Larbi discovers a world that he did not know existed, a world which is about to clash with his conservative outlook, and the three lives are changed forever.
French Social RealismImmigrant ExperienceMelancholic Coming-of-AgeIntergenerational ConflictAtmospheric Carnival SettingQuiet DramaCultural Identity CrisisUrban Isolation

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about Karnaval

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Karnaval legally?

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Is Karnaval worth watching?

65
GoodGoodWatch score

Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 65/100 (IMDb 6.9). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is Karnaval rated?

ViolenceStrong languageDrug use

Content advisories: violence, strong language, and drug use.

How long is Karnaval?

1 h 28 min

Karnaval runs 1 h 28 min.

What language is Karnaval in?

French

It was made in French. Produced in France.