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A Matter of Life and Death
1991·Movie
95
MasterpieceGoodWatch score95
MasterpieceGoodWatch scoreWatchWhere to watch
Not streaming in any country yet.
A Matter of Life and Death fingerprint
Strong craft, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension5
- Fast Pace3
- Adrenaline2
Heart
Deeply moving and profoundly sad
- Pathos9
- Melancholy9
- Catharsis7
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay5
- Dark Humor2
- Situational Comedy1
World
Society, history, and everyday modern life
- Dialogue Centrality8
- World Immersion7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout characters, performances, and dialogue
- Character Depth9
- Acting8
- Dialogue Quality8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing6
- Music Composition6
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
A Matter of Life and Death 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.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
MediumDeeply moving and profoundly sad
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, profoundly sad, and cathartic.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy9Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia6Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics6Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Humor
LowSome sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay5Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumSociety, history, and everyday modern life
Its world is built around society, history, and everyday modern life.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty4Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Craft
HighStandout characters, performances, and dialogue
The characters, performances, and dialogue stand out.
All craft traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Intrigue5Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Educational7Informative and instructive.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization4Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchThought-Provoking
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About
Echoing the title of a definitive film in British cinema, A Matter of Life and Death captures an equally definitive reality of British society in the nineties: the scourge of AIDS that cost thousands of people their lives. What’s it like to live and die of a “big illness with a small name”?
AIDS Crisis DramaBritish Social CommentaryHistorical Medical TragedyProfoundly EmotionalHuman Dignity in IllnessLife and DeathPsychological ImpactPathos-filledBleak RealitySocietal Response
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about A Matter of Life and Death
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is A Matter of Life and Death worth watching?
95
MasterpieceGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 95/100. The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is A Matter of Life and Death rated?
Disturbing imagerySuicide themes
Content advisories: disturbing imagery and suicide themes.
How long is A Matter of Life and Death?
0 h 13 min
A Matter of Life and Death runs 0 h 13 min.
What language is A Matter of Life and Death in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom.
What tropes does A Matter of Life and Death use?
Danger DeadpanEvil BritLemony NarratorOne True LoveShown Their WorkReasonable Authority Figure"Eureka!" MomentAll Just a DreamChess MotifsBlackfaceArtistic License – HistoryAnyone Can Dieand 38 more
TV Tropes lists 50 storytelling tropes for A Matter of Life and Death, including Danger Deadpan, Evil Brit, Lemony Narrator.