The Five Obstructions
7.4
The Five Obstructions fingerprint
Funny, immersive world.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension6
- Fast Pace4
- Adrenaline3
Heart
Moving and cathartic
- Pathos7
- Catharsis7
- Melancholy6
Humor
Plenty of satire and absurdist humor
- Satire & Parody8
- Absurdist Humor7
- Wit & Wordplay6
World
Everyday modern life, society, and the mind
- Novelty9
- Dialogue Centrality8
- World Immersion7
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and characters
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Direction9
- Meta Narrative9
- Acting8
Style
Standout editing, cinematography, and visual style
A distinctive visual signature.
- Editing9
- Cinematography8
- Visual Stylization8
Energy
MediumCalm 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
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumMoving and cathartic
Emotionally, it's moving and cathartic.
All heart traits
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Hopefulness5Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder5Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia2Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age2Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Family Dynamics2Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance1Love stories and emotional connections.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
HighPlenty of satire and absurdist humor
Expect plenty of satire and absurdist humor.
All humor traits
- Satire & Parody8Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Absurdist Humor7Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Wit & Wordplay6Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor5Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
Related traits
- Eccentricity6Oddball tone and quirks.
- Pastiche6Playful imitation of styles.
World
HighEveryday modern life, society, and the mind
Its world is built around everyday modern life, society, and the mind. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- Novelty9Fresh ideas and invention.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Mystery6Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Politics5Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Surrealism5Dreamlike, bizarre imagery.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and characters
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The direction, performances, and characters stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Direction9Vision and command behind the camera.
- Meta Narrative9Stories about storytelling.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative4Time-shifts and structure play.
Related traits
- Novelty9Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
Style
HighStandout editing, cinematography, and visual style
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the editing, cinematography, and visual style stand out.
All style traits
- Editing9Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Visual Stylization8Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Pastiche6Playful imitation of styles.
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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 79/100 (IMDb 7.4, Rotten Tomatoes 88%, 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 84 and audiences 77 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?
+35GoodWatch 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.