7.7
Where can I stream El Norte legally?
You can rent or buy it from Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
El Norte
1983·Movie
El Norte fingerprint
Strong craft, striking style, no humor.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Violence6
- Adrenaline5
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
- Pathos9
- Melancholy8
- Family Dynamics8
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor3
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Situational Comedy1
World
Society, class and money, and history
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and characters
- Direction8
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
El Norte is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence6Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
MediumDeeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, melancholic, and cathartic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics8Relationships and generational ties.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia5Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder5Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Coming of Age4Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- 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
MediumSociety, class and money, and history
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around society, class and money, and history. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Class & Capitalism9Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Politics8Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Psychological6Inner worlds and mind games.
- Crime5Heists, investigation, and underworld.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and characters
The direction, performances, and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Educational7Informative and instructive.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
Brother and sister Enrique and Rosa flee persecution at home in Guatemala and journey north, through Mexico and on to the United States, with the dream of starting a new life.
Guatemalan ImmigrantsImmigration DramaSocial RealismPolitical PersecutionBrother-Sister BondJourney to America1980sPoverty and Hope
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 El Norte
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is El Norte worth watching?
79
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 80/100 (IMDb 7.7, Rotten Tomatoes 92%, and Metacritic 75). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is El Norte rated?
ViolenceDisturbing imagery
Content advisories: violence and disturbing imagery.
How long is El Norte?
2 h 21 min
El Norte runs 2 h 21 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on El Norte?
Critics84
Audiences78
Yes. Critics average 84 and audiences 78 out of 100, so both groups see El Norte much the same way.
What language is El Norte in?
SpanishEnglish
It was made in Spanish, with some English. Produced in United States, United Kingdom, Mexico.
In how many countries can I watch El Norte?
4
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for El Norte in 4 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does El Norte use?
An Immigrant's TaleMatch CutContrast MontageHope SpotEthereal White DressDream SequenceTempting FateSeparated by a Common LanguageIncurable Cough of DeathBrick JokeDowner EndingHiding Behind the Language Barrierand 13 more
TV Tropes lists 25 storytelling tropes for El Norte, including An Immigrant's Tale, Match Cut, Contrast Montage.