7.2
Where can I stream The Paper Chase legally?
You can rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The Paper Chase
1973·Movie
The Paper Chase fingerprint
Strong craft, a touch of humor.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Tension6
- Fast Pace4
- Adrenaline2
Heart
Romantic
Much of it is about growing up.
- Romance7
- Coming of Age7
- Nostalgia6
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay6
- Cringe Humor2
- Situational Comedy1
World
Everyday modern life and growing up
- Dialogue Centrality8
- World Immersion7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout performances and dialogue
- Acting8
- Dialogue Quality8
- Direction7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography6
- Editing6
- Music Composition6
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
The Paper Chase is calm and low-intensity.
All energy traits
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
- Spectacle0Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence0Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
MediumRomantic
Much of it is about growing up.
Emotionally, it's romantic. Much of it is about growing up.
All heart traits
- Romance7Love stories and emotional connections.
- Coming of Age7Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Nostalgia6Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Pathos5Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Hopefulness5Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Melancholy4Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder0Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowSome sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay6Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor0Humor from taboo or grim topics.
World
MediumEveryday modern life and growing up
Its world is built around everyday modern life and growing up.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Historical6Period settings and real events.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
- Psychological5Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
HighStandout performances and dialogue
The performances and dialogue stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity5Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Educational7Informative and instructive.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography6Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization3Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality3Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
You may be looking at a future President, Supreme Court Justice, Secretary of State or a dropout.
A first-year law student struggles with balancing his coursework and his relationship with the daughter of a stern professor.
Academic DramaIntellectual RomanceComing-of-Age Story70s CinemaMentorship ThemesLegal EducationCharacter-DrivenRelationship ConflictPressurized Environment
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 The Paper Chase
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Paper Chase worth watching?
70
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 71/100 (IMDb 7.2 and Metacritic 65). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Paper Chase rated?
PGStrong languageSexual content
It's rated PG in the United States. Content advisories: strong language and sexual content.
How long is The Paper Chase?
1 h 53 min
The Paper Chase runs 1 h 53 min.
Is The Paper Chase based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Paper Chase?
Critics65
Audiences80
Not quite. Audiences rate The Paper Chase higher (80) than critics (65). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
What language is The Paper Chase in?
EnglishLatin
It was made in English, with some Latin. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch The Paper Chase?
11
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Paper Chase in 11 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Paper Chase use?
Jerk with a Heart of GoldInsult BackfireJerkassCalling the Old Man OutStress VomitImprobably High I.Q.Coming of Age StoryFreudian TrioThe Man Behind the CurtainThe Un-RevealStern TeacherCharacter Ticand 14 more
TV Tropes lists 26 storytelling tropes for The Paper Chase, including Jerk with a Heart of Gold, Insult Backfire, Jerkass.