8.0
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The Twilight Samurai
2002·Movie
·2h 9min·
The Twilight Samurai fingerprint
Big heart, strong craft, a touch of humor.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension6
- Adrenaline4
- Violence4
Heart
Profoundly sad and moving
Much of it is about family.
- Melancholy9
- Family Dynamics9
- Pathos8
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Dark Humor3
- Situational Comedy2
World
History, family, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout performances, characters, and direction
- Acting9
- Character Depth9
- Direction8
Style
Standout cinematography
- Cinematography8
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Twilight Samurai 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.
- Adrenaline4High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence4Physical conflict and intensity.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
HighProfoundly sad and moving
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's profoundly sad, moving, and romantic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Melancholy9Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Romance7Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome7Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia7Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
Related traits
- Wholesome7Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumHistory, family, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history, family, and society. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical10Period settings and real events.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Class & Capitalism7Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Psychological6Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
HighStandout performances, characters, and direction
The performances, characters, and direction stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Style
HighStandout cinematography
Look and sound: the cinematography stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality5Songs central to storytelling.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-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
Seibei Iguchi leads a difficult life as a low ranking samurai at the turn of the nineteenth century. A widower with a meager income, Seibei struggles to take care of his two daughters and senile mother. New prospects seem to open up when the beautiful Tomoe, a childhood friend, comes back into he and his daughters' life, but as the Japanese feudal system unravels, Seibei is still bound by the code of honor of the samurai and by his own sense of social precedence. How can he find a way to do what is best for those he loves?
Samurai DramaHistorical MelodramaFamily ObligationsCode of HonorJapanese Period PieceSubtle & PoignantQuietly MovingReflective AtmosphereCharacter-Driven
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Overall: Similar vibe.
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Questions about The Twilight Samurai
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Twilight Samurai worth watching?
81
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 82/100 (IMDb 8 and Metacritic 82). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How long is The Twilight Samurai?
2 h 9 min
The Twilight Samurai runs 2 h 9 min.
Is The Twilight Samurai based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Twilight Samurai?
Critics82
Audiences83
Yes. Critics average 82 and audiences 83 out of 100, so both groups see The Twilight Samurai much the same way.
Was The Twilight Samurai a box office hit?
Budget$5 million
Box office$7 million
Roughly broke even. It cost about $5 million to make and earned $7 million worldwide, 1.5 times its budget.
What language is The Twilight Samurai in?
Japanese
It was made in Japanese. Produced in Japan.
In how many countries can I watch The Twilight Samurai?
6
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Twilight Samurai in 6 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Twilight Samurai use?
Crapsack WorldOld MaidScenery PornCherry TappingHonor Before ReasonAlpha BitchJerk JockThe LancerJidaigekiArranged MarriageBittersweet EndingWarrior Poetand 106 more
TV Tropes lists 118 storytelling tropes for The Twilight Samurai, including Crapsack World, Old Maid, Scenery Porn.