7.8
Where can I stream The Ballad of Narayama legally?
You can rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The Ballad of Narayama
1958·Movie
The Ballad of Narayama fingerprint
Immersive world, strong craft, a touch of humor.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension6
- Violence5
- Spectacle4
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
- Satire & Parody3
- Wit & Wordplay2
World
History, family, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion9
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and characters
- Direction8
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
Style
Standout cinematography
- Cinematography8
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Ballad of Narayama is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence5Physical conflict and intensity.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumDeeply 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.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Wholesome5Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age4Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Spiritual7Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Satire & Parody3Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
Related traits
- Pastiche8Playful imitation of styles.
- Wholesome5Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
HighHistory, family, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history, family, and society. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical10Period settings and real events.
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Spiritual7Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Psychological6Inner worlds and mind games.
- Class & Capitalism6Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Mystery5Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and characters
The direction, performances, and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Homage & Reference5Allusions to other works.
- Educational5Informative and instructive.
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.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Pastiche8Playful imitation of styles.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightIntergenerationalSolo WatchTeensDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
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You need an uplifting moodYou want fast pacing
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About
With my mother on my back, now is the time to say goodbye to this world.
In a remote village where food is scarce, elders who reach the age of 70 are carried by their children to the top of a nearby mountain to die in solitude. Orin, a vibrant 69-year-old grandmother, has accepted her fate — but struggles to prepare the rest of her family for the ritual.
Japanese ArthouseHistorical DramaSocial CommentaryFamily SacrificeKabuki StyleBleak TraditionPathos and MelancholySpiritual AcceptanceVisually Striking
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Ballad of Narayama
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Ballad of Narayama worth watching?
83
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 83/100 (IMDb 7.8 and Rotten Tomatoes 86%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Ballad of Narayama rated?
Suicide themes
Content advisories: suicide themes.
How long is The Ballad of Narayama?
1 h 38 min
The Ballad of Narayama runs 1 h 38 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Ballad of Narayama?
Critics86
Audiences83
Yes. Critics average 86 and audiences 83 out of 100, so both groups see The Ballad of Narayama much the same way.
What language is The Ballad of Narayama in?
Japanese
It was made in Japanese. Produced in Japan.
In how many countries can I watch The Ballad of Narayama?
8
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Ballad of Narayama in 8 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Ballad of Narayama use?
Don't Look BackElder AbuseDeliberately MonochromeBallad of XI Was Quite a LookerGory Discretion ShotFace Death with DignityNarratorSnow Means DeathKids Are CruelOminous FogHappily Arranged Marriageand 10 more
TV Tropes lists 22 storytelling tropes for The Ballad of Narayama, including Don't Look Back, Elder Abuse, Deliberately Monochrome.