5.8
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Distant Thunder
1988·Movie
Distant Thunder fingerprint
No humor.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension4
- Violence3
- Fast Pace2
Heart
Profoundly sad and moving
Much of it is about family.
- Melancholy9
- Family Dynamics9
- Pathos8
Humor
Serious throughout
- Wit & Wordplay1
- Situational Comedy0
- Physical Comedy0
World
Family, everyday modern life, and the mind
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability4
Craft
Standout performances and characters
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
- Direction7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing6
- Music Composition5
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Distant Thunder 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.
- Fast Pace2Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline1High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Warfare6Battles, strategy, and conflict.
Heart
MediumProfoundly sad and moving
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's profoundly sad and moving. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Melancholy9Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia5Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age4Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay1Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- 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
MediumFamily, everyday modern life, and the mind
Its world is built around family, everyday modern life, and the mind.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability4Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty3Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Historical7Period settings and real events.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Warfare6Battles, strategy, and conflict.
Craft
MediumStandout performances and characters
The performances and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity5Layered plots and ideas.
- Intrigue3Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
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 Composition5Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality4The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization3Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You want something to laugh atYou 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
A hero of war. A casualty of peace, With only one hope for survival...his son.
A troubled Vietnam war vet deserts his wife and child shortly after he returns from the war. He returns after 10 years, where he's been living like an animal in the forest. He finds himself unprepared for the changes that he will have to cope with, and when the vet tries to contact his son, he realizes that he has caused more damage than he had imagined.
Vietnam War DramaPTSD TragedyFamily Reunion StruggleSocial RealismMelancholic ToneCharacter StudyHistorical SettingEmotional Weight
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 Distant Thunder
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Distant Thunder worth watching?
48
MediocreGoodWatch scoreReviews are weak, with a GoodWatch score of 48/100 (IMDb 5.8 and Rotten Tomatoes 43%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Distant Thunder rated?
RViolenceStrong languageDrug use
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence, strong language, and drug use.
How long is Distant Thunder?
1 h 54 min
Distant Thunder runs 1 h 54 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Distant Thunder?
Critics43
Audiences51
Not quite. Audiences rate Distant Thunder higher (51) than critics (43). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
Was Distant Thunder a box office hit?
Budget$8 million
Box office$156,188
No. It cost about $8 million to make and earned $156,188 worldwide, 2% of its budget.
What language is Distant Thunder in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Distant Thunder?
22
+8
+8GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Distant Thunder in 22 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.