5.7
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The Return of the King
1980·Movie
The Return of the King fingerprint
High energy, big heart, a touch of humor.
Energy
Tense and spectacular
Fast from start to finish.
- Tension8
- Spectacle8
- Adrenaline7
Heart
Nostalgic and cathartic
- Nostalgia9
- Catharsis8
- Wonder8
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Satire & Parody3
- Dark Humor3
World
Fantasy, war, and politics
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout characters
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Character Depth8
- Intrigue8
- Complexity8
Style
Standout score
- Music Composition8
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
Energy
HighTense and spectacular
Fast from start to finish.
The Return of the King is tense, spectacular, and thrilling.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle8Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline7High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence7Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Warfare8Battles, strategy, and conflict.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
HighNostalgic and cathartic
Emotionally, it's nostalgic, cathartic, and wondrous.
All heart traits
- Nostalgia9Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Catharsis8Emotional release and payoff.
- Wonder8Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Hopefulness7Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics6Relationships and generational ties.
- Coming of Age5Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wholesome4Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody3Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumFantasy, war, and politics
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around fantasy, war, and politics. 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
- Fantasy10Mythic worlds and magical systems.
- Warfare8Battles, strategy, and conflict.
- Politics7Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Mystery6Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
Craft
HighStandout characters
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The characters stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Homage & Reference5Allusions to other works.
All style traits
- Music Composition8Score and musical identity.
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Spectacle8Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalKidsPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensComfort WatchPure EscapismThought-Provoking
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About
Two Hobbits struggle to destroy the Ring in Mount Doom while their friends desperately fight evil Lord Sauron's forces in a final battle.
Animated FantasyHeroic QuestGood vs. EvilEpic BattleNostalgicWarfarePolitical IntrigueCharacter-Driven
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Questions about The Return of the King
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Return of the King worth watching?
60
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 60/100 (IMDb 5.7 and Rotten Tomatoes 67%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Return of the King rated?
NRViolence
It's rated NR in the United States. Content advisories: violence.
How long is The Return of the King?
1 h 38 min
The Return of the King runs 1 h 38 min.
Is The Return of the King based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Return of the King?
Critics67
Audiences48
Not quite. Critics rate The Return of the King higher (67) than audiences (48). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is The Return of the King in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States, Japan.
What tropes does The Return of the King use?
Oh, Crap!Samus Is a GirlSaved by the Platform BelowAscended ExtraPillar of LightVillainous RescueReunion KissI Gave My WordMarquee Alter EgoSimple Solution Won't WorkSad Battle MusicMost Definitely Not Accompanying Usand 347 more
TV Tropes lists 359 storytelling tropes for The Return of the King, including Oh, Crap!, Samus Is a Girl, Saved by the Platform Below.