7.5
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The Bench
2000·Movie
The Bench fingerprint
Calm.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Violence3
- Tension2
- Fast Pace2
Heart
Moving
Much of it is about family.
- Family Dynamics8
- Pathos7
- Melancholy6
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Situational Comedy4
- Dark Humor3
- Wit & Wordplay2
World
Everyday modern life, family, and society
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability5
Craft
Standout performances and characters
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
- Direction7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography6
- Editing6
- Music Composition4
Energy
NoneCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Bench is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
- Tension2Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace2Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline0High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
- Spectacle0Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
MediumMoving
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's moving. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics8Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Wholesome5Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness5Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia2Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Romance1Love stories and emotional connections.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder0Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
All humor traits
- Situational Comedy4Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
Related traits
- Wholesome5Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, family, and society
Its world is built around everyday modern life, family, and society.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability5Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty3Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity2Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Class & Capitalism7Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Psychological6Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
MediumStandout performances and characters
The performances and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Complexity4Layered plots and ideas.
- Intrigue3Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
Style
LowFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography6Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition4Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality3The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization2Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
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About
He has a life, he isn't proud of, and a past that he doesn't want to remember.
Kaj is a stubborn man with a great deal of pride. The former chef lives in a council flat. He has wasted his life and is now on a council job training scheme for the long-term unemployed, where he refuses to let the foreman of the activation project boss him about. When Kaj's daughter, with whom he has not been in touch for nineteen years, moves into the same council estate on the run from her violent husband, a change comes over Kaj. His initial instinct is to avoid her, but by chance he ends up helping to look after Jonas, her six-year-old son. For the first time for years Kaj need not survive on his own devices. Now he has responsibilities and a family of his own.
Nordic Social RealismIntergenerational Family DramaWorking Class StruggleCharacter Study of Pride and RedemptionGritty Urban SettingEmotional HeartbreakSocial Welfare CritiqueQuietly Powerful ActingRedemptive Arc
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
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Questions about The Bench
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Bench worth watching?
77
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 77/100 (IMDb 7.5). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Bench rated?
ViolenceStrong language
Content advisories: violence and strong language.
How long is The Bench?
1 h 29 min
The Bench runs 1 h 29 min.
What language is The Bench in?
Danish
It was made in Danish. Produced in Denmark.
In how many countries can I watch The Bench?
5
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Bench in 5 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.