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Trailer

Absence of Malice

1981Movie1 h 56 minPG

DramaRomance
70
GoodGoodWatch score
IMDb6.9Metacritic647.6Rotten Tomatoes82%64%

A melancholic, intriguing drama movie about everyday modern life and society, with standout performances.

Good for date night · friends night · teens

Where to watch

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Not for laughs, scares or comfort.

Movies with

Story

In America can a man be guilty until proven innocent?

Megan Carter is a reporter duped into running an untrue story on Michael Gallagher, a suspected racketeer. He has an alibi for the time his crime was allegedly committed—but it involves an innocent party. When he tells Carter the truth and the newspaper runs it, tragedy follows, forcing Carter to face up to the responsibilities of her job when she is confronted by Gallagher.

Feels like

  • Journalism Ethics
  • Media Responsibility
  • Legal Drama
  • Character-Driven Narrative
  • Emotional Impact
  • Strong Performances
  • Moral Ambiguity
  • Intrigue & Suspense

Cast

18 of 18

Crew

Directed by
Sydney Pollack
Written by
Kurt Luedtke
Produced by
Sydney Pollack
Music by
Dave Grusin

Everyone

Pick a department, or search for a name or a job (“editor”, “stunt”).

Facts

November 19, 1981 · 1 h 56 min · PG

Released
November 19, 1981
Runtime
1 h 56 min
Age rating
PG
Genres
Drama, Romance, Crime
Original language
English
Also spoken
Spanish
Made in
United States
Budget
$12 million
Box office
$41 million
Available in
67 countries

Tropes

Answer Cut, Armor-Piercing Question, Badass Bureaucrat +9

  • Answer Cut
  • Armor-Piercing Question
  • Badass Bureaucrat
  • The Chessmaster
  • Would Hit a Girl
  • Spit Take
  • Driven to Suicide
  • Convicted by Public Opinion
  • The Unsolved Mystery
  • Immediate Self-Contradiction
  • What the Hell, Hero?
  • Stepping Out for a Quick Cup of Coffee

12 of 14 tropes. From TV Tropes.

Q&A

5 questions, like "Where can I stream Absence of Malice?"

Questions about Absence of Malice

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Absence of Malice?

PrimeThe RokuTubi TV

In the United States, Absence of Malice streams on Prime, and it is free with ads on The Roku and Tubi TV. You can rent or buy it from Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It also streams in 6 other countries.

Is Absence of Malice worth watching?

70
GoodGoodWatch score

Mostly, it's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 70 (IMDb 6.9, Rotten Tomatoes 82%, and Metacritic 64).

Is Absence of Malice okay for kids?

PG

Not for young kids: it's rated PG in the United States, and the viewing guide lists it for teens and adults.

Is Absence of Malice good for date night?

and 2 moreDate NightPartner WatchAdultsFriends NightPublic Viewing Safe

It can be: romance is 3 of 10, and the viewing guide lists it for date night.

Was Absence of Malice a box office hit?

Budget$12 million
Box office$41 million

Yes: it cost about $12 million to make and earned $41 million worldwide, 3.4 times its budget.