5.2
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The Fight for Life
1940·Movie
The Fight for Life fingerprint
No humor.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Tension6
- Adrenaline2
- Fast Pace2
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
- Pathos9
- Melancholy7
- Catharsis7
Humor
Serious throughout
- Situational Comedy0
- Wit & Wordplay0
- Physical Comedy0
World
History, society, and everyday modern life
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Novelty7
Craft
Standout performances
- Acting8
- Direction7
- Dialogue Quality7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography6
- Editing6
- Music Composition5
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
The Fight for Life is calm and low-intensity.
All energy traits
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace2Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence1Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
MediumDeeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, melancholic, and cathartic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics7Relationships and generational ties.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance0Love stories and emotional connections.
- Nostalgia0Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Character Depth6Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
NoneSerious throughout
Expect almost no humor.
All humor traits
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Wit & Wordplay0Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor0Humor from taboo or grim topics.
World
MediumHistory, society, and everyday modern life
Its world is built around history, society, and everyday modern life.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability4Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity2Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Class & Capitalism7Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Politics5Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
Craft
MediumStandout performances
The performances stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth6Rich, complex characterization.
- Complexity5Layered plots and ideas.
- Intrigue4Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Educational8Informative and instructive.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography6Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition5Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization3Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality3The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking
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About
The Fight for Life was documentary filmmaker Pare Lorentz' first "dramatic" film, utilizing the talents of several top New York stage actors. A tribute to the Chicago Maternity Center and its efforts to provide the best possible care for destitute mothers, the film is based on the book of the same name by Paul de Kruif. Myron McCormick plays the largest role as a dedicated intern, while others in the cast include such theatrical heavywrights as Will Geer, Dudley Digges and Dorothy Adams. The film's many vignettes range from the tragic (a mother dying in childbirth in the opening scene) to the exultant (another mother rescued from the brink of death in a disease-ridden tenement). Filmed in Chicago, Detroit and Cleveland, Fight for Life is a worthwhile effort, though Lorentz seems more comfortable with the "actuality" scenes than with the dramatized passages.
Docu-DramaMedical DramaSocial JusticeHistorical ContextHuman StruggleCompassionateGritty RealismMaternal HealthPublic ServiceTragic & Hopeful
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
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Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Fight for Life
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Fight for Life worth watching?
58
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 59/100 (IMDb 5.2). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Fight for Life rated?
Disturbing imagery
Content advisories: disturbing imagery.
How long is The Fight for Life?
1 h 9 min
The Fight for Life runs 1 h 9 min.
What language is The Fight for Life in?
English
It was made in English.