5.4
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The Cardinal fingerprint
No humor.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Violence3
- Adrenaline2
Heart
Nostalgic
Much of it is about family.
- Nostalgia8
- Family Dynamics8
- Pathos6
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Satire & Parody1
- Situational Comedy0
World
History, faith and meaning, and crime
- Dialogue Centrality7
- World Immersion6
- Rewatchability4
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Intrigue7
- Acting6
- Narrative Structure6
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography5
- Editing4
- Music Composition3
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Cardinal is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace2Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
LowNostalgic
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's nostalgic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Nostalgia8Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics8Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy5Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis4Emotional release and payoff.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance1Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Spiritual9Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth6Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Dark Humor0Humor from taboo or grim topics.
World
LowHistory, faith and meaning, and crime
Its world is built around history, faith and meaning, and crime.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion6Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability4Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty3Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity2Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Spiritual9Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Crime8Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Mystery7Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Politics6Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
Craft
MediumSolid, not remarkable
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable.
All craft traits
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Acting6Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth6Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction5Vision and command behind the camera.
- Dialogue Quality5Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity5Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
Style
LowFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography5Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing4Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition3Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization3Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality3Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality2The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo 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
Set in 15th-century Italy, The Cardinal stars Matheson Lang as one Cardinal de Medici. Bound by the rules of the confessional, the cardinal is unable to disclose the multitude of sins revealed to him by one of his most influential parishioners. De Medici's dilemma is compounded by the fact that the confessor has committed a murder for which the Cardinal's brother has been arrested. The basic plot gimmick was good for another go-round in the 1953 Hitchcock flick I Confess. This 7-reel British film was based on a play by Louis N. Parker.
Religious Moral DilemmaHistorical Crime DramaConfessional SecrecyBrotherly ConflictPre-War British CinemaSlow-Burn SuspenseSpiritual TormentClassical TragedyEthical Ambiguity
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Cardinal
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Cardinal worth watching?
55
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 56/100 (IMDb 5.4). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Cardinal rated?
Violence
Content advisories: violence.
How long is The Cardinal?
1 h 11 min
The Cardinal runs 1 h 11 min.
What language is The Cardinal in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom.