Jakob the Liar fingerprint
Strong craft, no humor.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension8
- Violence4
- Adrenaline3
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
- Pathos9
- Melancholy8
- Family Dynamics6
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay5
- Situational Comedy0
- Physical Comedy0
World
History, society, and politics
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout performances and characters
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
- Direction7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Music Composition7
- Editing6
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Jakob the Liar is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence4Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Warfare6Battles, strategy, and conflict.
Heart
MediumDeeply moving and melancholic
Emotionally, it's deeply moving and melancholic.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics6Relationships and generational ties.
- Hopefulness5Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Nostalgia0Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Humor
NoneSome sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay5Clever 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
MediumHistory, society, and politics
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history, society, and politics. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Politics7Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Warfare6Battles, strategy, and conflict.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Craft
HighStandout 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 Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity5Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Educational7Informative and instructive.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization3Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
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About
When all hope was lost, he invented it.
Actors
Crew
Sequels and Prequels
Media
Questions about Jakob the Liar
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Jakob the Liar worth watching?
Opinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 50/100 (IMDb 6.5, Rotten Tomatoes 31%, and Metacritic 40). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Jakob the Liar rated?
It's rated PG-13 in the United States. Content advisories: disturbing imagery.
How long is Jakob the Liar?
2 h 0 min
Jakob the Liar runs 2 h 0 min.
Is Jakob the Liar based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on Jakob the Liar?
Not quite. Audiences rate Jakob the Liar higher (64) than critics (36). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
Was Jakob the Liar a box office hit?
No. It cost about $45 million to make and earned $5 million worldwide, 11% of its budget.
What language is Jakob the Liar in?
It was made in English. Produced in France, Hungary, United States, Germany.
In how many countries can I watch Jakob the Liar?
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Jakob the Liar in 68 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Jakob the Liar use?
TV Tropes lists 23 storytelling tropes for Jakob the Liar, including Defiant to the End, Moment Killer, My God, What Have I Done?.

6.5














