8.2
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Ran
1985·Movie
Ran fingerprint
Relentless energy, masterful craft, a touch of humor.
Energy
Epic and nerve-racking
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Spectacle10
- Tension9
- Violence8
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
- Pathos9
- Family Dynamics9
- Melancholy8
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor4
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Absurdist Humor2
World
History, war, and politics
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- World Immersion10
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Rewatchability8
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and storytelling
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Direction10
- Acting10
- Narrative Structure9
Style
Standout cinematography, editing, and score
A distinctive visual signature.
- Cinematography10
- Editing9
- Music Composition9
Energy
Very highEpic and nerve-racking
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Ran is epic, nerve-racking, and violent. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Spectacle10Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Tension9Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence8Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline7High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Warfare10Battles, strategy, and conflict.
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Grotesque5Macabre, distorted imagery.
Heart
HighDeeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, melancholic, and cathartic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis8Emotional release and payoff.
- Wonder7Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Nostalgia2Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Romance1Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness1Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wholesome0Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Spiritual6Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
World
HighHistory, war, and politics
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around history, war, and politics. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- World Immersion10Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical10Period settings and real events.
- Warfare10Battles, strategy, and conflict.
- Politics9Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Spiritual6Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Craft
Very highStandout direction, performances, and storytelling
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The direction, performances, and storytelling stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Direction10Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting10Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure9Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality9Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Homage & Reference7Allusions to other works.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
Style
Very highStandout cinematography, editing, and score
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the cinematography, editing, and score stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography10Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing9Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition9Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization9Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality8The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality8Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Spectacle10Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Grotesque5Macabre, distorted imagery.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchThought-Provoking
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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
In a mad world, only the mad are sane.
Shakespeare's King Lear is reimagined as a singular historical epic set in sixteenth-century Japan where an aging warlord divides his kingdom between his three sons.
Sengoku Period EpicAkira Kurosawa MasterpieceTragic Family BetrayalVisually Stunning BattlesShakespearean TragedyFeudal Japanese HistoryGrand Cinematic SpectacleBleak & Powerfully MovingIconic Cinematography
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Ran
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Ran worth watching?
91
ExcellentGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 91/100 (IMDb 8.2, Rotten Tomatoes 96%, and Metacritic 97). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Ran rated?
RViolenceDisturbing imagery
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence and disturbing imagery.
How long is Ran?
2 h 40 min
Ran runs 2 h 40 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Ran?
Critics97
Audiences88
Not quite. Critics rate Ran higher (97) than audiences (88). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
Was Ran a box office hit?
Budget$12 million
Box office$23 million
Roughly broke even. It cost about $12 million to make and earned $23 million worldwide, 1.9 times its budget.
What language is Ran in?
Japanese
It was made in Japanese. Produced in Japan, France.
In how many countries can I watch Ran?
45
+31
+31GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Ran in 45 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Ran use?
Rewarded as a Traitor DeservesCurb-Stomp BattleOffstage VillainyAttack! Attack! Attack!Token Good TeammateRoaring Rampage of RevengeHenpecked HusbandRule of SymbolismDeath by DespairRecycled with a GimmickCrapsack WorldAll There in the Manualand 139 more
TV Tropes lists 151 storytelling tropes for Ran, including Rewarded as a Traitor Deserves, Curb-Stomp Battle, Offstage Villainy.