Prick Up Your Ears
Prick Up Your Ears fingerprint
Strong craft, striking style.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension6
- Fast Pace5
- Violence5
Heart
Moving and romantic
- Pathos8
- Romance7
- Melancholy7
Humor
Some sharp wit and dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay5
- Dark Humor5
- Satire & Parody4
World
A real life story, show business, and history
- Dialogue Centrality8
- World Immersion7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout performances, characters, and direction
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Acting9
- Character Depth9
- Direction8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Prick Up Your Ears is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence5Physical conflict and intensity.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumMoving and romantic
Emotionally, it's moving, romantic, and melancholic.
All heart traits
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Romance7Love stories and emotional connections.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Hopefulness5Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia5Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics4Relationships and generational ties.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
MediumSome sharp wit and dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit and dark humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay5Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor5Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Satire & Parody4Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Physical Comedy3Slapstick and visual gags.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
Related traits
- Eccentricity5Oddball tone and quirks.
World
MediumA real life story, show business, and history
Its world is built around a real life story, show business, and history.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Biographical9Lives of notable figures.
- Showbiz9Entertainment industry and performance.
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Class & Capitalism5Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout performances, characters, and direction
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The performances, characters, and direction stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
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About
They shared everything... except success.
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Questions about Prick Up Your Ears
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Prick Up Your Ears worth watching?
Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 68/100 (IMDb 7.1, Rotten Tomatoes 92%, and Metacritic 72). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Prick Up Your Ears rated?
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: sexual content and strong language.
How long is Prick Up Your Ears?
1 h 51 min
Prick Up Your Ears runs 1 h 51 min.
Is Prick Up Your Ears based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
Do critics and audiences agree on Prick Up Your Ears?
Yes. Critics average 82 and audiences 75 out of 100, so both groups see Prick Up Your Ears much the same way.
What language is Prick Up Your Ears in?
It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom.
In how many countries can I watch Prick Up Your Ears?
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Prick Up Your Ears in 5 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Prick Up Your Ears use?
TV Tropes lists 4 storytelling tropes for Prick Up Your Ears, including Most Writers Are Writers, Bury Your Gays, Establishing Character Moment.

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