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IT IS A SOUL: A Portrait of Hailu Mergia
2021·Movie
100
MasterpieceGoodWatch score100
MasterpieceGoodWatch score
IT IS A SOUL: A Portrait of Hailu Mergia fingerprint
No humor.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Fast Pace5
- Tension3
- Spectacle3
Heart
Nostalgic and melancholic
- Nostalgia8
- Melancholy7
- Pathos6
Humor
Serious throughout
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Situational Comedy1
- Physical Comedy1
World
A real life story, history, and everyday modern life
- World Immersion7
- Novelty6
- Dialogue Centrality5
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Acting7
- Character Depth7
- Direction6
Style
Functional look and sound
- Music Centrality8
- Music Composition7
- Cinematography6
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
IT IS A SOUL: A Portrait of Hailu Mergia is calm and low-intensity.
All energy traits
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Tension3Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
- Violence1Physical conflict and intensity.
Heart
MediumNostalgic and melancholic
Emotionally, it's nostalgic and melancholic.
All heart traits
- Nostalgia8Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Hopefulness5Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome4Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age4Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
NoneSerious throughout
Expect almost no humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor1Humor from taboo or grim topics.
World
MediumA real life story, history, and everyday modern life
Its world is built around a real life story, history, and everyday modern life.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Dialogue Centrality5Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability4Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Biographical10Lives of notable figures.
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Contemporary Realism7Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
- Psychological5Inner worlds and mind games.
- Showbiz5Entertainment industry and performance.
Craft
MediumSolid, not remarkable
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable.
All craft traits
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction6Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure5Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality5Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue5Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity5Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Educational5Informative and instructive.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Music Centrality8The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Cinematography6Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality5Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You want something to laugh at
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
A short film documenting Ethiopian musician Hailu Mergia's life as the leader of the Walias Band in the 1970, his immigration to the United States and his subsequent re-emergence as a performer in 2014.
Ethiopian Music HistoryMusical Comeback StoryImmigration ExperienceJazz & World MusicBiographical DocumentaryCultural PreservationMelancholy & HopeMusical JourneyEthiopian Diaspora
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about IT IS A SOUL: A Portrait of Hailu Mergia
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is IT IS A SOUL: A Portrait of Hailu Mergia worth watching?
100
MasterpieceGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 100/100. The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How long is IT IS A SOUL: A Portrait of Hailu Mergia?
0 h 14 min
IT IS A SOUL: A Portrait of Hailu Mergia runs 0 h 14 min.
Is IT IS A SOUL: A Portrait of Hailu Mergia based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
What language is IT IS A SOUL: A Portrait of Hailu Mergia in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.