7.4
Where can I stream El General legally?
El General is included with a subscription to OVID in the United States. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
El General
2010·Movie
El General fingerprint
Striking style, no humor.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension4
- Spectacle3
- Violence2
Heart
Nostalgic and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
- Nostalgia9
- Melancholy8
- Family Dynamics8
Humor
Serious throughout
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Situational Comedy0
- Physical Comedy0
World
History, a real life story, and politics
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Novelty6
- Dialogue Centrality5
Craft
Standout direction
- Direction8
- Non-linear Narrative8
- Narrative Structure7
Style
Standout cinematography, sound design, and editing
- Cinematography9
- Sound Centrality9
- Editing8
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
El General is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension4Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline1High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace1Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Uncanny6Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumNostalgic and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's nostalgic, melancholic, and moving. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Nostalgia9Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics8Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Wonder5Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Catharsis4Emotional release and payoff.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Romance0Love stories and emotional connections.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever 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.
World
MediumHistory, a real life story, and politics
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history, a real life story, and politics. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Dialogue Centrality5Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability5Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical10Period settings and real events.
- Biographical10Lives of notable figures.
- Politics9Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Psychological6Inner worlds and mind games.
- Class & Capitalism5Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
MediumStandout direction
The direction stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Non-linear Narrative8Time-shifts and structure play.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Acting5Performance craft and presence.
- Intrigue5Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity4Layered plots and ideas.
- Meta Narrative4Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Educational8Informative and instructive.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Style
HighStandout cinematography, sound design, and editing
Look and sound: the cinematography, sound design, and editing stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography9Visual composition and camera work.
- Sound Centrality9Sound design as core element.
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality4The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality5Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFamily Movie NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You want something to laugh atYou want fast pacingYou want to half-watch while scrolling
Find more like it
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
The glimpse into the life of Mexican President Plutarco Elias Calles. Past and present collide as filmmaker Natalia Almada brings to life audio recordings she inherited about her great-grandfather, General Plutarco Elías Calles, a revolutionary general who became president of Mexico in 1924. Time is blurred in this visually arresting portrait of a family and country living under the shadows of the past.
Meditative DocumentaryHistorical BiographyAuditory ArchaeologyLyrical CinematographyFamily LegacyPolitical HistorySlow CinemaIntimate PortraitArchival Storytelling
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Titles like El General
nearer = more alike
8
You are here: El General
Tap a poster to move
You are herePreview
vscompared with El General
El General2010
Point at a poster to compare itHold a poster to compare it
This pageTap it to move here
A chip fills to its level. Tap a full one for titles without that trait, a low one for titles with it.
Open a page:My Grandfather's People (2011)The Brutalist (2024)The Last Emperor (1987)The Testament of Ann Lee (2025)The Round Up (2010)Sunshine (1999)Never Look Away (2018)A Hidden Life (2019)The Fog of War (2003)The Diary of Anne Frank (1959)Roots (1977)Kundun (1997)Sardar Udham (2021)Shoah (1985)Aftershock (2010)Lockerbie: A Search for Truth (2025)One Life (2023)The Salt of the Earth (2014)Katyn (2007)The Conspirator (2011)Jackie (2016)Pachinko (2022)Mirror (1975)Julia (1977)In Darkness (2011)Resistance (2020)Citizen Kane (1941)Minamata (2020)Nanook of the North (1922)Ararat (2002)The King's Choice (2016)Queen Christina (1934)The Best of Enemies (2019)The Irishman (2019)The Butler (2013)Becket (1964)Oppenheimer (2023)Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002)Woman in Gold (2015)Corsage (2022)Beanpole (2019)Pelle the Conqueror (1987)Grey Gardens (2009)The Zone of Interest (2023)Victoria (2016)Catch a Fire (2006)What Happened, Miss Simone? (2015)Andrei Rublev (1966)Angela's Ashes (1999)The Madness of King George (1994)Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013)The Last Duel (2021)The Bounty (1984)All the Way (2016)A Small Light (2023)Che: Part Two (2008)I Am Not Your Negro (2017)Persepolis (2007)The Message (1976)Death by Lightning (2025)The Pianist (2002)Mr. Turner (2014)The Last Full Measure (2019)Manhunt (2024)
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about El General
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is El General worth watching?
72
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 72/100 (IMDb 7.4). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How long is El General?
1 h 23 min
El General runs 1 h 23 min.
Is El General based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
What language is El General in?
Spanish
It was made in Spanish. Produced in Argentina, Mexico, United States.
What tropes does El General use?
Cool TrainA Truce While We GawkChekhov's GagThrowing Your Sword Always WorksHand GaggingThe So-Called CowardTrash the SetButt-MonkeySee No Evil, Hear No EvilMeaningful NameBait-and-SwitchMugged for Disguiseand 36 more
TV Tropes lists 48 storytelling tropes for El General, including Cool Train, A Truce While We Gawk, Chekhov's Gag.