7.2
Where can I stream Lan Yu legally?
You can watch it free with ads on Kanopy. You can also rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Lan Yu fingerprint
Big heart, strong craft, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension5
- Fast Pace4
- Spectacle3
Heart
Deeply moving and deeply romantic
- Pathos10
- Romance9
- Melancholy9
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Dark Humor3
- Situational Comedy1
World
History, society, and everyday modern life
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- Dialogue Centrality9
- World Immersion8
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout performances, characters, and direction
- Acting9
- Character Depth9
- Direction8
Style
Standout cinematography and score
- Cinematography8
- Music Composition8
- Editing7
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Lan Yu is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension5Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
HighDeeply moving and deeply romantic
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, deeply romantic, and profoundly sad.
All heart traits
- Pathos10Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Romance9Love stories and emotional connections.
- Melancholy9Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis8Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia7Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age6Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Family Dynamics4Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
Related traits
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumHistory, society, and everyday modern life
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history, society, and everyday modern life. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Contemporary Realism7Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Politics7Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Psychological6Inner worlds and mind games.
- Class & Capitalism5Wealth, power, and inequality.
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.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
HighStandout cinematography and score
Look and sound: the cinematography and score stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition8Score and musical identity.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchSolo 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
A love story between a country boy in Beijing to study and a wealthy businessman set against the backdrop of the 1989 Tiananmen Square incident.
Melancholy RomancePolitical BackdropForbidden LoveCharacter-DrivenHistorical DramaTragic Love StoryIntense PerformancesSocially Conscious
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Lan Yu
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Lan Yu worth watching?
60
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 61/100 (IMDb 7.2, Rotten Tomatoes 68%, and Metacritic 62). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Lan Yu rated?
RSexual content
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: sexual content.
How long is Lan Yu?
1 h 27 min
Lan Yu runs 1 h 27 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Lan Yu?
Critics65
Audiences78
Not quite. Audiences rate Lan Yu higher (78) than critics (65). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
What language is Lan Yu in?
Chinese
It was made in Chinese. Produced in China, Hong Kong SAR China.
In how many countries can I watch Lan Yu?
8
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Lan Yu in 8 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.