7.7
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The Trial
2011·Movie
·1h 56min·
The Trial fingerprint
Strong craft, emotionally cool.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension8
- Violence4
- Adrenaline3
Heart
Moving
- Pathos7
- Melancholy6
- Catharsis5
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Satire & Parody3
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Absurdist Humor2
World
Politics, society, and everyday modern life
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- Dialogue Centrality9
- World Immersion8
- Novelty5
Craft
Standout direction and dialogue
- Direction8
- Dialogue Quality8
- Acting7
Style
Standout editing
- Editing8
- Cinematography7
- Sound Centrality5
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Trial is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence4Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
NoneMoving
Emotionally, it's moving.
All heart traits
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Family Dynamics2Relationships and generational ties.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Romance0Love stories and emotional connections.
- Nostalgia0Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder0Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Satire & Parody3Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
World
MediumPolitics, society, and everyday modern life
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around politics, society, and everyday modern life. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability4Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity2Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Politics10Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Social Commentary10Perspectives on society and norms.
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Crime8Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Biographical8Lives of notable figures.
- Psychological6Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
HighStandout direction and dialogue
The direction and dialogue stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Educational9Informative and instructive.
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
MediumStandout editing
Look and sound: the editing stand out.
All style traits
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
- Music Composition4Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization3Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality2Songs central to storytelling.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensThought-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
At 6am on May 21, 2008, armed police burst into the apartment of Austrian dog trainer and animal-rights activist Sabine Koch, arresting her. After three months in custody, Koch, together with 12 other animal-rights activists, went on trial. They were charged with being members of a criminal organisation and therefore breaching article 273a of the Austrian Penal Code, introduced in the wake of 9/11. The article’s intention is to allow the state to stifle terrorist activity. Years of observation, house searches, and undercover agents – the police left no stone unturned in its bid to prove the animal-rights activists’ guilt. The sobering result: five million Euros worth of investigation, no proof and a great deal of scepticism towards the Austrian justice system – and democracy itself.
Political ThrillerLegal DramaAustrian New WaveCivil LibertiesState SurveillanceDocumentary StyleSocial CritiqueInstitutional OppressionRealistic DialogueSlow-Burn Tension
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Trial
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Trial worth watching?
63
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 63/100 (IMDb 7.7). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Trial rated?
ViolenceStrong language
Content advisories: violence and strong language.
How long is The Trial?
1 h 56 min
The Trial runs 1 h 56 min.
Is The Trial based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
What language is The Trial in?
German
It was made in German. Produced in Austria.
In how many countries can I watch The Trial?
3
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Trial in 3 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Trial use?
Died in IgnoranceThe OnerObstructive BureaucratAbsurdismGate of TruthAll Girls Want Bad BoysThose Two GuysDowner EndingOne-Letter NameNon Sequitur EnvironmentLaw ProceduralCall-Backand 29 more
TV Tropes lists 41 storytelling tropes for The Trial, including Died in Ignorance, The Oner, Obstructive Bureaucrat.