6.2
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River
2011·Movie
·1h 29min·
River fingerprint
No humor.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Scare4
- Violence4
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
- Pathos9
- Melancholy8
- Catharsis6
Humor
Serious throughout
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Dark Humor2
- Situational Comedy1
World
Everyday modern life and the mind
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Novelty6
Craft
Standout characters
- Character Depth8
- Direction7
- Acting7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing6
- Music Composition6
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
River is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Scare4Frightening moments and scares.
- Violence4Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
LowDeeply moving and melancholic
Emotionally, it's deeply moving and melancholic.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age3Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Family Dynamics2Relationships and generational ties.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
NoneSerious throughout
Expect almost no humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumEveryday modern life and the mind
Its world is built around everyday modern life and the mind.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability5Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
- Mystery5Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
Craft
MediumStandout characters
The characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality6Songs central to storytelling.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightSolo WatchThought-Provoking
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About
Hikari's boyfriend is one of those killed in the Akihabara massacre incident. Suffering from the shock of her loss and unable to accept this reality, she cuts herself off from the outside world. She eventually manages to muster enough courage to visit Akihabara, the scene of the incident. There, she encounters many people who are still coming to terms with the aftermath of the incident and are still suffering from the aftereffects.
Akihabara MassacreLoss and GriefPsychological TraumaContemporary RealismEmotional RecoverySocial CommentaryIntriguing NarrativeMelancholy Tone
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
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Questions about River
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is River worth watching?
61
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 62/100 (IMDb 6.2 and Metacritic 75). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is River rated?
ViolenceDisturbing imagerySuicide themes
Content advisories: violence, disturbing imagery, and suicide themes.
How long is River?
1 h 29 min
River runs 1 h 29 min.
Is River based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
Do critics and audiences agree on River?
Critics75
Audiences62
Not quite. Critics rate River higher (75) than audiences (62). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is River in?
Japanese
It was made in Japanese. Produced in Japan.
What tropes does River use?
Chekhov's GunChekhov's Gunman"Groundhog Day" LoopIt's All My FaultOffscreen Moment of AwesomeThe OnerRipple-Effect-Proof MemoryTime Police
TV Tropes lists 8 storytelling tropes for River, including Chekhov's Gun, Chekhov's Gunman, "Groundhog Day" Loop.