7.8
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King Lear
1975·Movie
King Lear fingerprint
Masterful craft, high energy, emotionally cool.
Energy
Nerve-racking and violent
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension9
- Violence7
- Spectacle6
Heart
Deeply moving and profoundly sad
Much of it is about family.
- Pathos10
- Family Dynamics10
- Melancholy9
Humor
Plenty of sharp wit
- Wit & Wordplay8
- Dark Humor2
- Situational Comedy0
World
Family, politics, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- Dialogue Centrality10
- World Immersion8
- Rewatchability8
Craft
Standout dialogue, characters, and performances
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Dialogue Quality10
- Character Depth10
- Acting9
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Music Composition7
- Editing6
Energy
HighNerve-racking and violent
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
King Lear is nerve-racking and violent. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension9Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence7Physical conflict and intensity.
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness10Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Warfare7Battles, strategy, and conflict.
- Grotesque5Macabre, distorted imagery.
Heart
NoneDeeply moving and profoundly sad
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving and profoundly sad. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Pathos10Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Family Dynamics10Relationships and generational ties.
- Melancholy9Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance1Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness1Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome0Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia0Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Bleakness10Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth10Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical9Ideas about life and existence.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay8Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
Related traits
- Eccentricity5Oddball tone and quirks.
World
HighFamily, politics, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around family, politics, and the mind. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality10Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity6Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty1Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Politics9Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Crime8Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Historical7Period settings and real events.
- Warfare7Battles, strategy, and conflict.
Craft
Very highStandout dialogue, characters, and performances
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The dialogue, characters, and performances stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Dialogue Quality10Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth10Rich, complex characterization.
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure9Story architecture and form.
- Complexity9Layered plots and ideas.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Philosophical9Ideas about life and existence.
- Educational7Informative and instructive.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality10Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Grotesque5Macabre, distorted imagery.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking
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About
King Lear, old and tired, divides his kingdom among his daughters, giving great importance to their protestations of love for him. When Cordelia, youngest and most honest, refuses to idly flatter the old man in return for favor, he banishes her and turns for support to his remaining daughters. But Goneril and Regan have no love for him and instead plot to take all his power from him. In a parallel, Lear's loyal courtier Gloucester favors his illegitimate son Edmund after being told lies about his faithful son Edgar. Madness and tragedy befall both ill-starred fathers.
Shakespearean TragedyPolitical BetrayalFamilial ConflictHuman SufferingMadness & PowerClassic LiteratureIntense DramaBleak OutlookPhilosophical ExplorationHistorical Setting
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 King Lear
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is King Lear worth watching?
89
ExcellentGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 89/100 (IMDb 7.8). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is King Lear rated?
ViolenceDisturbing imagery
Content advisories: violence and disturbing imagery.
How long is King Lear?
2 h 0 min
King Lear runs 2 h 0 min.
What language is King Lear in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom.