7.2
Where can I stream Defending Your Life legally?
You can rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Defending Your Life
1991·Movie
Defending Your Life fingerprint
Immersive world, strong craft, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Tension5
- Fast Pace4
- Spectacle4
Heart
Hopeful and romantic
- Hopefulness8
- Romance7
- Melancholy7
Humor
Some sharp wit and satire
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay7
- Satire & Parody6
- Absurdist Humor5
World
The mind and faith and meaning
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout storytelling and dialogue
- Narrative Structure8
- Dialogue Quality8
- Direction7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
- Cinematography6
All energy traits
- Tension5Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence1Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
MediumHopeful and romantic
Emotionally, it's hopeful, romantic, and melancholic.
All heart traits
- Hopefulness8Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Romance7Love stories and emotional connections.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Wonder6Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome4Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Family Dynamics4Relationships and generational ties.
- Nostalgia2Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Spiritual7Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
MediumSome sharp wit and satire
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit and satire.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay7Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody6Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Absurdist Humor5Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy4Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
Related traits
- Eccentricity5Oddball tone and quirks.
World
HighThe mind and faith and meaning
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around the mind and faith and meaning. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Spiritual7Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
- Mystery5Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
Craft
HighStandout storytelling and dialogue
The storytelling and dialogue stand out.
All craft traits
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Meta Narrative2Stories about storytelling.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
Related traits
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Cinematography6Visual composition and camera work.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality3Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyPure EscapismThought-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
The first true story of what happens after you die.
Is there love after death? After he dies suddenly, the hapless advertising executive Daniel Miller finds himself in Judgment City, a gleaming way station where the newly deceased must prove they lived a life of sufficient courage to advance in their journey through the universe. As the self-doubting Daniel struggles to make his case, a budding relationship with the uninhibited Julia offers him a chance to finally feel alive.
Afterlife RomanceJudgment CityPhilosophical ComedyLife EvaluationSecond ChanceExistential ThemesSelf-DiscoveryQuirky HumorRedemptive Arc
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 Defending Your Life
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Defending Your Life worth watching?
75
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 76/100 (IMDb 7.2, Rotten Tomatoes 92%, and Metacritic 63). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Defending Your Life rated?
PG
It's rated PG in the United States.
How long is Defending Your Life?
1 h 51 min
Defending Your Life runs 1 h 51 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Defending Your Life?
Critics78
Audiences76
Yes. Critics average 78 and audiences 76 out of 100, so both groups see Defending Your Life much the same way.
Was Defending Your Life a box office hit?
Budget$20 million
Box office$16 million
No. It cost about $20 million to make and earned $16 million worldwide, 82% of its budget.
What language is Defending Your Life in?
EnglishJapanese
It was made in English, with some Japanese. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Defending Your Life?
63
+49
+49GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Defending Your Life in 63 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Defending Your Life use?
Deadpan SnarkerAfterlife ExpressSecret Test of CharacterI Need a Freaking Drink90% of Your BrainParody SueReasonable Authority FigureAscend to a Higher Plane of ExistenceLiteral MetaphorThey Wasted a Perfectly Good SandwichNausea FuelThe Cameoand 59 more
TV Tropes lists 71 storytelling tropes for Defending Your Life, including Deadpan Snarker, Afterlife Express, Secret Test of Character.