5.9
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The Emperor and His Brother
1981·Movie
The Emperor and His Brother fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, a touch of humor.
Energy
Tense and fast-paced
Fast from start to finish.
- Tension7
- Fast Pace7
- Spectacle7
Heart
Nostalgic and moving
Much of it is about family.
- Family Dynamics9
- Nostalgia8
- Pathos7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Dark Humor3
- Situational Comedy2
World
History, family, and fantasy
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality6
- Novelty6
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Intrigue8
- Direction7
- Acting7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
HighTense and fast-paced
Fast from start to finish.
The Emperor and His Brother is tense, fast-paced, and spectacular.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence7Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline6High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Warfare7Battles, strategy, and conflict.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumNostalgic and moving
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's nostalgic, moving, and cathartic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Nostalgia8Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Wonder5Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age3Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumHistory, family, and fantasy
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history, family, and fantasy. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability5Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical10Period settings and real events.
- Fantasy8Mythic worlds and magical systems.
- Warfare7Battles, strategy, and conflict.
- Politics6Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Psychological6Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighSolid, not remarkable
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable.
All craft traits
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality5Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightIntergenerationalPublic Viewing SafeSolo 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
A young boy betrays his family who hides a refugee and tells the pursuer where the hiding-place is - just because he wants a valuable telescope for reward. His father decides to kill the boy in order to restore the honor of the family.
WuxiaHistorical DramaMartial ArtsRevengeBetrayalFamily HonorDynastic ConflictPeriod Piece
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Emperor and His Brother
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Emperor and His Brother worth watching?
58
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 59/100 (IMDb 5.9). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Emperor and His Brother rated?
Violence
Content advisories: violence.
How long is The Emperor and His Brother?
1 h 41 min
The Emperor and His Brother runs 1 h 41 min.
Is The Emperor and His Brother based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
What language is The Emperor and His Brother in?
Chinese
It was made in Chinese. Produced in Hong Kong SAR China.
In how many countries can I watch The Emperor and His Brother?
40
+26
+26GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Emperor and His Brother in 40 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Emperor and His Brother use?
Doppelgänger SpinIn the HoodEnsemble CastDisguised in DragWorld of Action GirlsRetired BadassInfodumpIn a Single BoundLa RésistanceBolivian Army EndingConvenient Escape BoatNobody Here but Us Birdsand 16 more
TV Tropes lists 28 storytelling tropes for The Emperor and His Brother, including Doppelgänger Spin, In the Hood, Ensemble Cast.