7.2
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A River Runs Through It
1992·Movie
·2h 3min·PG·
A River Runs Through It fingerprint
Big heart, strong craft, no humor.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Spectacle4
- Tension3
- Adrenaline2
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family and growing up.
- Family Dynamics10
- Pathos9
- Coming of Age9
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Situational Comedy0
- Physical Comedy0
World
Family, growing up, and a real life story
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- World Immersion9
- Rewatchability8
- Dialogue Centrality7
Craft
Standout characters, direction, and performances
- Character Depth9
- Direction8
- Acting8
Style
Standout cinematography, score, and sound design
- Cinematography10
- Music Composition8
- Sound Centrality8
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
A River Runs Through It is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Tension3Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace2Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence1Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
HighDeeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family and growing up.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, melancholic, and wholesome. Much of it is about family and growing up.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics10Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Coming of Age9Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Wholesome7Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia6Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder6Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Spiritual6Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor0Humor from taboo or grim topics.
Related traits
- Wholesome7Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumFamily, growing up, and a real life story
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around family, growing up, and a real life story. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Biographical8Lives of notable figures.
- Contemporary Realism7Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological6Inner worlds and mind games.
- Spiritual6Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
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 Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity5Layered plots and ideas.
- Intrigue4Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
HighStandout cinematography, score, and sound design
Look and sound: the cinematography, score, and sound design stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography10Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition8Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality8Sound design as core element.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensComfort WatchPure EscapismThought-Provoking
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About
Nothing perfect lasts forever. Except in our memories.
The Maclean brothers, Paul and Norman, live a relatively idyllic life in rural Montana, spending much of their time fly fishing. The sons of a minister, the boys eventually part company when Norman moves east to attend college, leaving his rebellious brother to find trouble back home. When Norman finally returns, the siblings resume their fishing outings, and assess where they've been and where they're going.
Reflective Family DramaComing-of-Age TaleMelancholic & PoignantNature-Centric StoryAmerican West SettingPhilosophical ContemplationBrotherhood & LossVisually StunningQuiet & IntrospectiveMemoir Adaptation
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
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Questions about A River Runs Through It
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is A River Runs Through It worth watching?
73
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 74/100 (IMDb 7.2, Rotten Tomatoes 80%, and Metacritic 68). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is A River Runs Through It rated?
PG
It's rated PG in the United States.
How long is A River Runs Through It?
2 h 3 min
A River Runs Through It runs 2 h 3 min.
Is A River Runs Through It based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
Do critics and audiences agree on A River Runs Through It?
Critics74
Audiences75
Yes. Critics average 74 and audiences 75 out of 100, so both groups see A River Runs Through It much the same way.
Was A River Runs Through It a box office hit?
Budget$12 million
Box office$43 million
Yes. It cost about $12 million to make and earned $43 million worldwide, 3.6 times its budget.
What language is A River Runs Through It in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom, United States.
In how many countries can I watch A River Runs Through It?
59
+45
+45GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for A River Runs Through It in 59 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does A River Runs Through It use?
Title DropMay–December RomanceBrick JokeLove at First SightTime-Shifted ActorPreacher's KidNo Animals Were HarmedAdapted OutKick the DogScenery PornThe AlcoholicHope Spotand 16 more
TV Tropes lists 28 storytelling tropes for A River Runs Through It, including Title Drop, May–December Romance, Brick Joke.