6.4
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A Bright Shining Lie
1998·Movie
·1h 58min·
A Bright Shining Lie fingerprint
Strong craft, a touch of humor.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Spectacle6
- Adrenaline5
Heart
Profoundly sad and moving
- Melancholy9
- Pathos8
- Catharsis7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor4
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Satire & Parody3
World
Politics, history, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout performances and characters
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
- Intrigue8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition6
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
A Bright Shining Lie is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence5Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Warfare7Battles, strategy, and conflict.
Heart
MediumProfoundly sad and moving
Emotionally, it's profoundly sad, moving, and cathartic.
All heart traits
- Melancholy9Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance6Love stories and emotional connections.
- Nostalgia6Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics4Relationships and generational ties.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age3Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody3Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumPolitics, history, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around politics, history, and society. 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.
- Ambiguity6Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Politics9Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Warfare7Battles, strategy, and conflict.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Class & Capitalism7Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout performances and characters
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The performances and characters stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative4Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative2Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Educational7Informative and instructive.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchThought-Provoking
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About
In war as in life, the difference between truth and deception is what a man allows himself to believe.
Something in his past keeps career Army man John Paul Vann from advancing past colonel. He views being sent to Vietnam as part of the US military advisory force a stepping stone to promotion. However, he disagrees vocally (and on the record) with the way the war is being run and is forced to leave the military. Returning to Vietnam as a civilian working with the Army, he comes to despise some South Vietnamese officers while he takes charge of some of the U.S. forces and continues his liaisons with Vietnamese women.
Vietnam War DramaBiographical AdaptationPolitical IntrigueMilitary DissidenceMoral CompromiseHistorical PerspectiveCharacter-Driven NarrativeMelancholy Reflection
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about A Bright Shining Lie
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is A Bright Shining Lie worth watching?
61
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 62/100 (IMDb 6.4). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is A Bright Shining Lie rated?
ViolenceSexual contentStrong language
Content advisories: violence, sexual content, and strong language.
How long is A Bright Shining Lie?
1 h 58 min
A Bright Shining Lie runs 1 h 58 min.
What language is A Bright Shining Lie in?
EnglishVietnamese
It was made in English, with some Vietnamese. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch A Bright Shining Lie?
4
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for A Bright Shining Lie in 4 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.