7.2
The General fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Thrilling and tense
Fast from start to finish.
- Adrenaline7
- Tension7
- Fast Pace7
Heart
Emotionally reserved
- Pathos5
- Family Dynamics5
- Melancholy4
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Dark Humor4
- Physical Comedy3
World
Crime, history, and a real life story
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout direction and performances
- Direction8
- Acting8
- Intrigue8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition6
Energy
HighThrilling and tense
Fast from start to finish.
The General is thrilling, tense, and fast-paced.
All energy traits
- Adrenaline7High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence5Physical conflict and intensity.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
LowEmotionally reserved
It keeps its emotions at a distance.
All heart traits
- Pathos5Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Family Dynamics5Relationships and generational ties.
- Melancholy4Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis4Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia2Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Physical Comedy3Slapstick and visual gags.
- Satire & Parody3Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumCrime, history, and a real life story
Its world is built around crime, history, and a real life story.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Crime9Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Biographical7Lives of notable figures.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Mystery6Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Politics6Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
Craft
HighStandout direction and performances
The direction and performances stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
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.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
Find more like it
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
The extraordinary true story of the rise and fall of the gangster, Martin Cahill.
Actors
Crew
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
Media
Questions about The General
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The General worth watching?
Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 74/100 (IMDb 7.2 and Metacritic 81). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The General rated?
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence and strong language.
How long is The General?
2 h 4 min
The General runs 2 h 4 min.
Is The General based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
Do critics and audiences agree on The General?
Not quite. Critics rate The General higher (81) than audiences (68). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is The General in?
It was made in English. Produced in Ireland, United Kingdom.
In how many countries can I watch The General?
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The General in 9 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The General use?
TV Tropes lists 48 storytelling tropes for The General, including The Determinator, Meaningful Name, A Truce While We Gawk.