7.6
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Heartbreak Island
1995·Movie
·2h 0min·
Heartbreak Island fingerprint
Strong craft, no humor.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Fast Pace3
- Violence3
Heart
Profoundly sad and moving
- Melancholy9
- Pathos8
- Catharsis7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Cringe Humor2
- Dark Humor2
World
Everyday modern life, the mind, and politics
- Dialogue Centrality8
- World Immersion7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout characters and performances
- Character Depth9
- Acting8
- Direction7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing6
- Music Composition6
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Heartbreak Island is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness8Grim, 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.
- Romance5Love stories and emotional connections.
- Nostalgia5Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age4Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, the mind, and politics
Its world is built around everyday modern life, the mind, and politics.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity6Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Politics7Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Historical5Period settings and real events.
- Crime5Heists, investigation, and underworld.
Craft
HighStandout characters and performances
The characters and performances stand out.
All craft traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative4Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You need an uplifting moodYou want fast pacing
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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
In Taiwan, a young woman, Lin-Lang, is released from prison after serving ten years for terrorist activity. She had turned to bomb making in grief after her mentor and lover, An Rong, who was also her university professor, was arrested for political activity and, she presumed, executed. In prison, she learns Rong is alive, and she maintains her spirits and sanity for the years in her cell by holding imaginary conversations with him. When she is released, she discovers he is married, has a child, and lives conventionally. She finds him; he's not happy to see her. How she reacts to losing the center of her life becomes the subject of the film.
Taiwanese DramaPolitical RepressionLost LovePost-Prison LifePsychological ImpactMelancholy RomanceBetrayalSocial CommentaryCharacter Study
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Heartbreak Island
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Heartbreak Island worth watching?
70
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 71/100 (IMDb 7.6). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How long is Heartbreak Island?
2 h 0 min
Heartbreak Island runs 2 h 0 min.
What language is Heartbreak Island in?
Chinese
It was made in Chinese. Produced in Taiwan.