There Was a Father
7.5
There Was a Father fingerprint
Big heart, strong craft, no humor.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension4
- Fast Pace3
- Spectacle3
Heart
Moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family and growing up.
- Family Dynamics9
- Pathos8
- Coming of Age8
Humor
Serious throughout
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Dark Humor2
- Situational Comedy1
World
Family, history, and growing up
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout characters, direction, and performances
- Character Depth9
- Direction8
- Acting8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
There Was a Father 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.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
HighMoving and melancholic
Much of it is about family and growing up.
Emotionally, it's moving, melancholic, and cathartic. Much of it is about family and growing up.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Coming of Age8Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia6Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Hopefulness5Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome4Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor2Humor 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.
World
MediumFamily, history, and growing up
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around family, history, and growing up. 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.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Psychological6Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout characters, direction, and performances
The characters, direction, and performances stand out.
All craft traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Style
HighFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
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Questions about There Was a Father
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is There Was a Father worth watching?
Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 88/100 (IMDb 7.5 and Rotten Tomatoes 100%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How long is There Was a Father?
1 h 33 min
There Was a Father runs 1 h 33 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on There Was a Father?
Not quite. Critics rate There Was a Father higher (100) than audiences (79). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is There Was a Father in?
It was made in Japanese. Produced in Japan.
In how many countries can I watch There Was a Father?
+117GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for There Was a Father in 131 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.