7.1
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Penance
2013·Movie
Penance fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, no humor.
Energy
Tense and scary
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension8
- Scare7
- Violence5
Heart
Deeply moving and profoundly sad
Much of it is about family.
- Pathos9
- Melancholy9
- Family Dynamics9
Humor
Serious throughout
- Wit & Wordplay1
- Situational Comedy0
- Physical Comedy0
World
Everyday modern life, family, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality6
- Rewatchability5
Craft
Standout performances, direction, and characters
- Acting9
- Direction8
- Character Depth8
Style
Standout cinematography and sound design
- Cinematography8
- Sound Centrality8
- Editing7
Energy
HighTense and scary
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Penance is tense and scary. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Scare7Frightening moments and scares.
- Violence5Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace2Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Uncanny6Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
Heart
LowDeeply moving and profoundly sad
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving and profoundly sad. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy9Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Catharsis4Emotional release and payoff.
- Coming of Age4Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Nostalgia3Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Romance1Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome0Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
NoneSerious throughout
Expect almost no humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay1Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor0Humor from taboo or grim topics.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, family, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around everyday modern life, family, and the mind. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability5Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty4Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Crime7Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Mystery6Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Social Commentary5Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout performances, direction, and characters
The performances, direction, and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Style
HighStandout cinematography and sound design
Look and sound: the cinematography and sound design stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Sound Centrality8Sound design as core element.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You want something to laugh atYou need an uplifting moodYou want fast pacing
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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
God may forgive you, but she never will.
The murder of a young girl leaves the inhabitants of a small Japanese village in shock. The body of Emili is found by four classmates with whom she was playing. The murder is never solved. Emili's mother, Asako, is torn by grief and puts a curse on the four girls when they claim not to remember the killer's face. Each of the girls, in their own way, will do penance for their silence.
Devastating Family DramaPsychological HorrorGrief and GuiltSlow-Burn TensionEmotional CatharsisRealistic TragedyHaunting AtmosphereComplex Moral AmbiguityQuiet DesperationIntimate Character Study
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Penance
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Penance worth watching?
62
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 63/100 (IMDb 7.1 and Metacritic 58). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Penance rated?
ViolenceDisturbing imagerySuicide themes
Content advisories: violence, disturbing imagery, and suicide themes.
How long is Penance?
4 h 30 min
Penance runs 4 h 30 min.
Is Penance based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on Penance?
Critics58
Audiences66
Not quite. Audiences rate Penance higher (66) than critics (58). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
What language is Penance in?
Japanese
It was made in Japanese. Produced in Japan.
In how many countries can I watch Penance?
5
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Penance in 5 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.