7.7
Where can I stream City of Life and Death legally?
You can watch it free with ads on Kanopy. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
City of Life and Death fingerprint
High energy, immersive world, light on feelings.
Energy
Brutally violent and tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Violence9
- Tension8
- Spectacle7
Heart
Deeply moving and profoundly sad
- Pathos9
- Melancholy9
- Catharsis7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor4
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Satire & Parody2
World
History, war, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion9
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and characters
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Direction8
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
Style
Standout cinematography and score
- Cinematography8
- Music Composition8
- Editing7
Energy
HighBrutally violent and tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
City of Life and Death is brutally violent, tense, and spectacular. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Violence9Physical conflict and intensity.
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline6High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare4Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness10Grim, stark outlooks.
- Warfare9Battles, strategy, and conflict.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Grotesque6Macabre, distorted imagery.
Heart
LowDeeply moving and profoundly sad
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, profoundly sad, and cathartic.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy9Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia7Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Coming of Age2Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness1Optimism and uplifting resolve.
Related traits
- Bleakness10Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
World
HighHistory, war, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history, war, and society. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity6Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Historical10Period settings and real events.
- Warfare9Battles, strategy, and conflict.
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Crime8Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Politics8Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and characters
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The direction, performances, and characters stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative4Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Educational8Informative and instructive.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Style
HighStandout cinematography and score
Look and sound: the cinematography and score stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition8Score and musical identity.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Grotesque6Macabre, distorted imagery.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightSolo WatchThought-Provoking
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About
In 1937, during the height of the Second Sino-Japanese War, the Imperial Japanese Army has just captured Nanjing, then-capital of the Republic of China. What followed was known as the Nanking Massacre, or the Rape of Nanking, a six week period wherein tens of thousands of Chinese soldiers and civilians were killed.
Nanjing MassacreSino-Japanese WarHistorical DramaWar CrimeTragedySocial CommentaryViolenceBleakness
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 City of Life and Death
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is City of Life and Death worth watching?
83
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 84/100 (IMDb 7.7, Rotten Tomatoes 92%, and Metacritic 85). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is City of Life and Death rated?
RViolenceDisturbing imagery
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence and disturbing imagery.
How long is City of Life and Death?
2 h 12 min
City of Life and Death runs 2 h 12 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on City of Life and Death?
Critics89
Audiences81
Not quite. Critics rate City of Life and Death higher (89) than audiences (81). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
Was City of Life and Death a box office hit?
Budget$12 million
Box office$11 million
No. It cost about $12 million to make and earned $11 million worldwide, 89% of its budget.
What language is City of Life and Death in?
ChineseGermanJapaneseEnglish
It was made in Chinese, with some German, Japanese, English. Produced in China, Hong Kong SAR China.
In how many countries can I watch City of Life and Death?
15
+1
+1GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for City of Life and Death in 15 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does City of Life and Death use?
Lighter and SofterEnsemble CastChild SoldiersUnsafe HavenBut Not Too EvilHeroic SacrificeScrew the Rules, I Have Connections!Bittersweet EndingDeath of a ChildShout-OutDespair Event HorizonFan Disserviceand 38 more
TV Tropes lists 50 storytelling tropes for City of Life and Death, including Lighter and Softer, Ensemble Cast, Child Soldiers.