The Face of Another
The Face of Another fingerprint
Immersive world, strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension8
- Scare3
- Spectacle3
Heart
Melancholic and moving
- Melancholy8
- Pathos7
- Romance3
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay6
- Satire & Parody3
- Dark Humor2
World
The mind and technology
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- Ambiguity9
- Novelty9
- World Immersion8
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and characters
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Direction9
- Acting9
- Character Depth9
Style
Standout cinematography
- Cinematography8
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Face of Another is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace2Quick tempo and momentum.
Related traits
- Uncanny9Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
LowMelancholic and moving
Emotionally, it's melancholic and moving.
All heart traits
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Catharsis3Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Hopefulness1Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia1Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wholesome0Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Philosophical9Ideas about life and existence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
LowSome sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay6Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody3Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
Related traits
- Eccentricity5Oddball tone and quirks.
World
HighThe mind and technology
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around the mind and technology. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- Ambiguity9Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty9Fresh ideas and invention.
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
Related traits
- Psychological10Inner worlds and mind games.
- Tech & Humanity8Human stories in a tech world.
- Historical6Period settings and real events.
- Mystery6Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and characters
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The direction, performances, and characters stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Direction9Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty9Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical9Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
Style
HighStandout cinematography
Look and sound: the cinematography stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
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About
It’s always lonely being free.
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Questions about The Face of Another
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Face of Another worth watching?
Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 84/100 (IMDb 7.8 and Rotten Tomatoes 86%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Face of Another rated?
It's rated NR in the United States. Content advisories: disturbing imagery.
How long is The Face of Another?
2 h 2 min
The Face of Another runs 2 h 2 min.
Is The Face of Another based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Face of Another?
Yes. Critics average 86 and audiences 84 out of 100, so both groups see The Face of Another much the same way.
What language is The Face of Another in?
It was made in Japanese, with some German. Produced in Japan.
In how many countries can I watch The Face of Another?
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Face of Another in 4 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Face of Another use?
TV Tropes lists 29 storytelling tropes for The Face of Another, including Tempting Fate, Brother–Sister Incest, Two-Person Love Triangle.

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