The Great Santini
7.2
The Great Santini fingerprint
Big heart, strong craft, a touch of humor.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension6
- Adrenaline5
- Fast Pace4
Heart
Moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family and growing up.
- Family Dynamics9
- Pathos8
- Melancholy7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Cringe Humor3
- Situational Comedy2
World
Everyday modern life, family, and the mind
- Dialogue Centrality8
- World Immersion7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout performances, characters, and direction
- Acting9
- Character Depth9
- Direction8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Great Santini is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence4Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
HighMoving and melancholic
Much of it is about family and growing up.
Emotionally, it's moving, melancholic, and cathartic. Much of it is about family and growing up.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Coming of Age7Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wholesome4Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Nostalgia3Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, family, and the mind
Its world is built around everyday modern life, family, and the mind.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty4Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism10Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
HighStandout performances, characters, and direction
The performances, characters, and direction stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction8Vision 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 Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
Find more like it
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
The bravest thing he would ever do was let his family love him.
Actors
Crew
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
Media
Questions about The Great Santini
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Great Santini worth watching?
Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 76/100 (IMDb 7.2, Rotten Tomatoes 95%, and Metacritic 64). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Great Santini rated?
It's rated PG in the United States. Content advisories: violence and strong language.
How long is The Great Santini?
1 h 55 min
The Great Santini runs 1 h 55 min.
Is The Great Santini based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Great Santini?
Yes. Critics average 80 and audiences 74 out of 100, so both groups see The Great Santini much the same way.
Was The Great Santini a box office hit?
Roughly broke even. It cost about $4 million to make and earned $5 million worldwide, 1.2 times its budget.
What language is The Great Santini in?
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch The Great Santini?
+13GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Great Santini in 27 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Great Santini use?
TV Tropes lists 8 storytelling tropes for The Great Santini, including Abusive Parents, Alliterative Name, Attack Hello.