7.3
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Zen
2009·Movie
·2h 7min·
Zen fingerprint
Strong craft, striking style, no humor.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension5
- Fast Pace3
- Spectacle3
Heart
Melancholic and cathartic
- Melancholy7
- Catharsis7
- Pathos6
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Dark Humor2
- Situational Comedy1
World
Faith and meaning, history, and a real life story
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Ambiguity6
Craft
Standout characters
- Character Depth8
- Direction7
- Acting7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Zen 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 Pace3Quick 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.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
LowMelancholic and cathartic
Emotionally, it's melancholic and cathartic.
All heart traits
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Hopefulness5Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Nostalgia3Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Family Dynamics1Relationships and generational ties.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Spiritual9Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever 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
MediumFaith and meaning, history, and a real life story
Its world is built around faith and meaning, history, and a real life story.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity6Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Rewatchability5Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Spiritual9Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Biographical8Lives of notable figures.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
- Psychological5Inner worlds and mind games.
All craft traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Educational7Informative and instructive.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality6Songs central to storytelling.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsIntergenerationalPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensComfort WatchThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You want fast pacing
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
In the early 1200s, Dogen brought Chinese Zen philosophy to Japan, and established the Japanese Zen school of Buddhism. He taught that a person was capable of realizing Buddhahood within himself, by way of Zazen. Zazen is extended hours of sitting and meditating to achieve a state of “Mu” (nothingness, or empty existence).
Biographical DramaZen BuddhismSpiritual JourneyHistorical SettingPhilosophicalMeditationJapanese CultureInner Peace
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
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Questions about Zen
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Zen worth watching?
76
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 77/100 (IMDb 7.3). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How long is Zen?
2 h 7 min
Zen runs 2 h 7 min.
Is Zen based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
What language is Zen in?
JapaneseChinese
It was made in Japanese, with some Chinese. Produced in Japan.