7.4
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Kids Return fingerprint
Strong craft, striking style.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Violence6
- Tension5
- Adrenaline4
Heart
Profoundly sad and moving
Much of it is about growing up.
- Coming of Age10
- Melancholy9
- Pathos8
Humor
Some dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor6
- Situational Comedy4
- Physical Comedy3
World
Growing up, everyday modern life, and crime
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Rewatchability7
- Novelty6
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and storytelling
- Direction9
- Acting8
- Narrative Structure8
Style
Standout editing, score, and cinematography
- Editing9
- Music Composition9
- Cinematography8
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Kids Return is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Violence6Physical conflict and intensity.
- Tension5Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline4High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumProfoundly sad and moving
Much of it is about growing up.
Emotionally, it's profoundly sad, moving, and nostalgic. Much of it is about growing up.
All heart traits
- Coming of Age10Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Melancholy9Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Nostalgia7Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
MediumSome dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some dark humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor6Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy4Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy3Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor3Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
Related traits
- Eccentricity5Oddball tone and quirks.
World
MediumGrowing up, everyday modern life, and crime
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around growing up, everyday modern life, and crime. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Dialogue Centrality5Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Crime7Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Sports6Competition, training, and teamwork.
- Psychological6Inner worlds and mind games.
- Class & Capitalism6Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and storytelling
The direction, performances, and storytelling stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction9Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Style
HighStandout editing, score, and cinematography
Look and sound: the editing, score, and cinematography stand out.
All style traits
- Editing9Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition9Score and musical identity.
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Centrality8The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality5Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensThought-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
We haven't even started.
Shinji and Masaru spend most of their school days harassing fellow classmates and playing pranks. They drop out and Shinji becomes a small-time boxer, while Masaru joins up with a local yakuza gang. However, the world is a tough place.
Youth DisillusionmentComing-of-Age DramaYakuza & BoxingBittersweet RealismTakeshi KitanoIconic Hisaishi ScoreFatalistic JourneyJapanese Cinema
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
Media
Questions about Kids Return
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Kids Return worth watching?
88
ExcellentGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 89/100 (IMDb 7.4 and Rotten Tomatoes 100%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Kids Return rated?
ViolenceStrong language
Content advisories: violence and strong language.
How long is Kids Return?
1 h 47 min
Kids Return runs 1 h 47 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Kids Return?
Critics100
Audiences82
Not quite. Critics rate Kids Return higher (100) than audiences (82). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is Kids Return in?
Japanese
It was made in Japanese. Produced in Japan.
In how many countries can I watch Kids Return?
6
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Kids Return in 6 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.