7.3
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The Eel fingerprint
Striking style, no humor.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension4
- Violence3
- Adrenaline2
Heart
Profoundly sad and moving
- Melancholy9
- Pathos8
- Catharsis7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Dark Humor2
- Situational Comedy1
World
Everyday modern life and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Novelty7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout characters, direction, and performances
- Character Depth9
- Direction8
- Acting8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Music Composition7
- Sound Centrality7
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Eel is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension4Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace2Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumProfoundly sad and moving
Emotionally, it's profoundly sad, moving, and cathartic.
All heart traits
- Melancholy9Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Family Dynamics6Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Nostalgia2Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumEveryday modern life and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around everyday modern life and the mind. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity6Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Dialogue Centrality5Stories driven by conversation.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Crime5Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Craft
MediumStandout characters, direction, and performances
The characters, direction, and performances stand out.
All craft traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue5Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity4Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Style
HighFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization4Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality5Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchThought-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 businessman kills his adulterous wife and is sent to prison. After his release, he opens a barbershop and meets new people, talking to almost no one except for an eel he befriended while in prison.
Psychological DramaRedemption StoryMelancholicCharacter StudyQuiet & ReflectiveExistentialIntrospectivePost-Prison LifeUnconventional Companionship
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Eel
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Eel worth watching?
68
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 69/100 (IMDb 7.3, Rotten Tomatoes 83%, and Metacritic 81). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Eel rated?
Violence
Content advisories: violence.
How long is The Eel?
1 h 57 min
The Eel runs 1 h 57 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Eel?
Critics82
Audiences77
Yes. Critics average 82 and audiences 77 out of 100, so both groups see The Eel much the same way.
What language is The Eel in?
Japanese
It was made in Japanese. Produced in Japan.
In how many countries can I watch The Eel?
4
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Eel in 4 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Eel use?
Voiceover LetterBedroom Adultery SceneCall-BackDistant PrologueI Will Wait for YouFanserviceCatapult NightmareProtection RacketBrick JokeTime SkipFlashbackHigh-Pressure Bloodand 5 more
TV Tropes lists 17 storytelling tropes for The Eel, including Voiceover Letter, Bedroom Adultery Scene, Call-Back.