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Heart of the Country
1997·Movie
70
GoodGoodWatch score70
GoodGoodWatch scoreWatchWhere to watch
Not streaming in any country yet.
Heart of the Country fingerprint
Big heart, calm.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension3
- Spectacle2
- Adrenaline1
Heart
Heartwarming and uplifting
Much of it is about family.
- Wholesome9
- Hopefulness9
- Family Dynamics9
Humor
Serious throughout
- Situational Comedy2
- Wit & Wordplay1
- Physical Comedy0
World
Everyday modern life, family, and a real life story
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion9
- Dialogue Centrality6
- Rewatchability4
Craft
Standout characters
- Character Depth8
- Direction7
- Acting7
Style
Standout cinematography
- Cinematography8
- Sound Centrality7
- Editing6
Energy
NoneCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Heart of the Country is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension3Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline1High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace1Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
- Violence0Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
HighHeartwarming and uplifting
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's heartwarming, uplifting, and cathartic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Wholesome9Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness9Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Catharsis8Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia8Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Coming of Age6Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder6Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Melancholy5Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
All humor traits
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Wit & Wordplay1Clever 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.
Related traits
- Wholesome9Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, family, and a real life story
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around everyday modern life, family, and a real life story. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability4Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty3Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity2Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Biographical8Lives of notable figures.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Craft
MediumStandout characters
The characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality5Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity5Layered plots and ideas.
- Intrigue4Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Educational9Informative and instructive.
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Style
MediumStandout cinematography
Look and sound: the cinematography stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization4Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality4The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalKidsPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensComfort WatchThought-Provoking
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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
"Heart of the Country" is the story of Shinichi Yasutomo, the extraordinary principal of a rural elementary school in Kanayama, central Hokkaido, Northern Japan. Yasutomo is a man driven by his vision for learning and his passion for educating the heart as well as the mind. The film follows Yasutomo, his teachers and staff, students and their families over the course of one entire school year. The film is also the story of the families of Kanayama. Parents and elders of this once impoverished town embrace Yasutomo's vision, but not without wary glances back to the past. This small community, bound together by love for its children, is also defined by its journey through the cultural upheavals of postwar Japan.
Heartwarming BiopicRural Japanese CommunityEducational PhilosophyDocumentary StylePost-War ReflectionInspirational LeadershipSlice-of-Life DramaFamily BondsQuiet ResilienceHumanist Storytelling
Crew
Directed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Heart of the Country
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Heart of the Country worth watching?
70
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 70/100. The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How long is Heart of the Country?
1 h 30 min
Heart of the Country runs 1 h 30 min.
Is Heart of the Country based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
What language is Heart of the Country in?
EnglishJapanese
It was made in English, with some Japanese. Produced in Japan.