The Five Obstructions
The Five Obstructions fingerprint
Immersive world, strong craft, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension5
- Fast Pace3
- Spectacle3
Heart
Emotionally reserved
- Wonder6
- Melancholy5
- Pathos4
Humor
Some absurdist humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Absurdist Humor5
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Satire & Parody4
World
Everyday modern life, show business, and the mind
- Novelty9
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout direction
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Complexity9
- Direction8
- Intrigue8
Style
Standout editing
- Editing9
- Cinematography7
- Visual Stylization7
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Five Obstructions is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension5Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
All heart traits
- Wonder6Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Melancholy5Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos4Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis4Emotional release and payoff.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia2Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Romance1Love stories and emotional connections.
- Family Dynamics1Relationships and generational ties.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
LowSome absurdist humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some absurdist humor.
All humor traits
- Absurdist Humor5Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody4Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
Related traits
- Eccentricity7Oddball tone and quirks.
World
HighEveryday modern life, show business, and the mind
Its world is built around everyday modern life, show business, and the mind. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- Novelty9Fresh ideas and invention.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- World Immersion6Depth and sensory richness of setting.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism10Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Showbiz10Entertainment industry and performance.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout direction
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The direction stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Complexity9Layered plots and ideas.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Meta Narrative8Stories about storytelling.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
Related traits
- Novelty9Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Homage & Reference5Allusions to other works.
All style traits
- Editing9Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality4Songs central to storytelling.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
Skip it if
Find more like it
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
Actors
Crew
Sequels and Prequels
Media
Questions about The Five Obstructions
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Five Obstructions worth watching?
Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 76/100 (IMDb 7.4 and Metacritic 79). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How long is The Five Obstructions?
1 h 28 min
The Five Obstructions runs 1 h 28 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Five Obstructions?
Yes. Critics average 79 and audiences 74 out of 100, so both groups see The Five Obstructions much the same way.
What language is The Five Obstructions in?
It was made in Danish, with some English, French, Spanish. Produced in Belgium, Denmark, France, Switzerland.
In how many countries can I watch The Five Obstructions?
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Five Obstructions in 49 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

7.4















































































