8.4
Woman in the Dunes fingerprint
Stunning style, high energy, light on feelings.
Energy
Nerve-racking
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension9
- Adrenaline5
- Spectacle4
Heart
Profoundly sad and moving
- Melancholy9
- Pathos8
- Catharsis5
Humor
Some absurdist humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Absurdist Humor7
- Dark Humor4
- Satire & Parody3
World
The mind and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion10
- Novelty9
- Ambiguity8
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and characters
- Direction10
- Acting9
- Character Depth9
Style
Standout cinematography, visual style, and sound design
A distinctive visual signature.
- Cinematography10
- Visual Stylization9
- Sound Centrality9
Energy
HighNerve-racking
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Woman in the Dunes is nerve-racking. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension9Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
- Fast Pace2Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Uncanny7Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
Heart
LowProfoundly sad and moving
Emotionally, it's profoundly sad and moving.
All heart traits
- Melancholy9Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Hopefulness1Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome0Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia0Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Family Dynamics0Relationships and generational ties.
Related traits
- Philosophical10Ideas about life and existence.
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
MediumSome absurdist humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some absurdist humor.
All humor traits
- Absurdist Humor7Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Satire & Parody3Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
Related traits
- Eccentricity5Oddball tone and quirks.
World
HighThe mind and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around the mind and society. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- World Immersion10Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty9Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity8Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Dialogue Centrality4Stories driven by conversation.
Related traits
- Psychological10Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Surrealism7Dreamlike, bizarre imagery.
- Class & Capitalism5Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and characters
The direction, performances, and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction10Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Philosophical10Ideas about life and existence.
- Novelty9Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
Style
Very highStandout cinematography, visual style, and sound design
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the cinematography, visual style, and sound design stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography10Visual composition and camera work.
- Visual Stylization9Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality9Sound design as core element.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Who it's for
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About
Haunting. Erotic. Unforgettable.
Actors
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Sequels and Prequels
Media
Questions about Woman in the Dunes
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Woman in the Dunes worth watching?
Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 93/100 (IMDb 8.4 and Rotten Tomatoes 100%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Woman in the Dunes rated?
It's rated NR in the United States. Content advisories: nudity, sexual content, and disturbing imagery.
How long is Woman in the Dunes?
2 h 27 min
Woman in the Dunes runs 2 h 27 min.
Is Woman in the Dunes based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on Woman in the Dunes?
Not quite. Critics rate Woman in the Dunes higher (100) than audiences (89). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is Woman in the Dunes in?
It was made in Japanese. Produced in Japan.
In how many countries can I watch Woman in the Dunes?
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Woman in the Dunes in 11 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Woman in the Dunes use?
TV Tropes lists 16 storytelling tropes for Woman in the Dunes, including Bedsheet Ladder, Orbital Shot, No Name Given.