7.2
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River Returns
2025·Movie
·1h 48min·
River Returns fingerprint
High energy, big heart, no humor.
Energy
Tense and spectacular
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Spectacle7
- Scare6
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about growing up.
- Pathos9
- Melancholy8
- Coming of Age8
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor3
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Absurdist Humor2
World
History, growing up, and fantasy
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion9
- Novelty7
- Dialogue Centrality6
Craft
Standout characters
- Character Depth8
- Intrigue8
- Direction7
Style
Standout cinematography, score, and sound design
- Cinematography8
- Music Composition8
- Sound Centrality8
Energy
HighTense and spectacular
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
River Returns is tense and spectacular. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare6Frightening moments and scares.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Uncanny5Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
Heart
HighDeeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about growing up.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, melancholic, and wondrous. Much of it is about growing up.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Coming of Age8Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder8Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia7Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics5Relationships and generational ties.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Spiritual7Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumHistory, growing up, and fantasy
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history, growing up, and fantasy. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity6Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Fantasy7Mythic worlds and magical systems.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Spiritual7Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Mystery6Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
Craft
HighStandout characters
The characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative4Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
HighStandout cinematography, score, and sound design
Look and sound: the cinematography, score, and sound design stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition8Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality8Sound design as core element.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Centrality7Songs central to storytelling.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsSolo WatchTeensPure EscapismThought-Provoking
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
In 1958, as a deadly typhoon approaches, a young boy embarks on a perilous journey to a haunted mountain pool, determined to calm a sorrowful spirit whose grief has cursed the village with devastating floods.
Japanese FolkloreHaunted MountainTragic Supernatural DramaComing-of-Age NarrativeMelancholic AtmospherePeriod Piece (1950s)Visually EvocativeSpiritual JourneyNature's Fury
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
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Questions about River Returns
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is River Returns worth watching?
78
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 79/100 (IMDb 7.2). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is River Returns rated?
Disturbing imagery
Content advisories: disturbing imagery.
How long is River Returns?
1 h 48 min
River Returns runs 1 h 48 min.
What language is River Returns in?
Japanese
It was made in Japanese. Produced in Japan.