Kwaidan
7.9
Kwaidan fingerprint
Stunning style, high energy, no humor.
Energy
Tense and scary
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Scare7
- Spectacle7
Heart
Awe-inspiring and melancholic
- Wonder9
- Melancholy8
- Pathos7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor3
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Absurdist Humor1
World
Fantasy and history
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- World Immersion10
- Rewatchability8
- Novelty8
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and storytelling
- Direction10
- Acting8
- Narrative Structure8
Style
Standout cinematography, visual style, and score
A distinctive visual signature.
- Cinematography10
- Visual Stylization10
- Music Composition9
Energy
HighTense and scary
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Kwaidan is tense, scary, and spectacular. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Scare7Frightening moments and scares.
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence4Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace2Quick tempo and momentum.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Uncanny9Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumAwe-inspiring and melancholic
Emotionally, it's awe-inspiring, melancholic, and moving.
All heart traits
- Wonder9Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Nostalgia6Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Romance5Love stories and emotional connections.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome0Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
- Spiritual6Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
Related traits
- Eccentricity7Oddball tone and quirks.
- Pastiche6Playful imitation of styles.
World
HighFantasy and history
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around fantasy and history. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- World Immersion10Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Fantasy8Mythic worlds and magical systems.
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Surrealism7Dreamlike, bizarre imagery.
- Psychological6Inner worlds and mind games.
- Spiritual6Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and storytelling
The direction, performances, and storytelling stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction10Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity5Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Homage & Reference5Allusions to other works.
Style
Very highStandout cinematography, visual style, and score
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the cinematography, visual style, and score stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography10Visual composition and camera work.
- Visual Stylization10Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Composition9Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality9The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Sound Centrality8Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Pastiche6Playful imitation of styles.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
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About
In the tradition of "RASHOMON" and "GATE OF HELL."
Actors
Crew
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
Media
Questions about Kwaidan
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Kwaidan worth watching?
Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 76/100 (IMDb 7.9 and Rotten Tomatoes 91%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Kwaidan rated?
It's rated PG-13 in the United States. Content advisories: disturbing imagery.
How long is Kwaidan?
3 h 3 min
Kwaidan runs 3 h 3 min.
Is Kwaidan based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on Kwaidan?
Yes. Critics average 91 and audiences 84 out of 100, so both groups see Kwaidan much the same way.
What language is Kwaidan in?
It was made in Japanese. Produced in Japan.
In how many countries can I watch Kwaidan?
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Kwaidan in 11 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Kwaidan use?
TV Tropes lists 39 storytelling tropes for Kwaidan, including Yuki-onna, One-Word Title, Mama Bear.