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The Refusal
1982·Movie
·1h 38min·
The Refusal fingerprint
Strong craft, a touch of humor.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension6
- Violence5
- Adrenaline4
Heart
Melancholic and moving
Much of it is about family.
- Melancholy8
- Pathos7
- Nostalgia7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Satire & Parody4
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Cringe Humor3
World
Society, class and money, and history
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability5
Craft
Standout characters
- Character Depth8
- Direction7
- Acting7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing6
- Music Composition6
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Refusal 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.
- Violence5Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline4High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
MediumMelancholic and moving
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's melancholic, moving, and nostalgic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Nostalgia7Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics7Relationships and generational ties.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Coming of Age5Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Satire & Parody4Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumSociety, class and money, and history
Its world is built around society, class and money, and history.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability5Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Class & Capitalism9Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Politics8Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Contemporary Realism6Modern, grounded storytelling.
All craft traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Educational6Informative and instructive.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality5Songs central to storytelling.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking
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About
In 1971, the Algerian government nationalized hydrocarbons. The consequences of this decision on the community of Algerians in France are numerous. The Galti family is prey to these economic problems. The father, Khaled, former member of the F.L.N. in France, does not escape the sentence. Sharazade, his wife and comrade in combat, finds herself torn between her role as wife, mother and nostalgia for a country and a bygone past. As for his son Karim, a victim of socio-cultural division, all he has left is refusal.
Algerian CinemaSocio-Political DramaImmigrationFamily ConflictNationalizationEconomic ConsequencesCultural DivisionNostalgia1970s Algeria
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Refusal
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Refusal worth watching?
100
MasterpieceGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 100/100. The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How long is The Refusal?
1 h 38 min
The Refusal runs 1 h 38 min.
What language is The Refusal in?
FrenchArabic
It was made in French, with some Arabic.