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Trailer+1 trailer

The Onion Field

1979Movie2 h 2 minR

CrimeDrama
60
DecentGoodWatch score
IMDb6.8Metacritic57–Rotten Tomatoes87%64%
60
DecentGoodWatch score
IMDb6.8Metacritic57–Rotten Tomatoes87%64%

Summary

An LA police officer is murdered in the onion fields outside of Bakersfield. However, legal loopholes could keep his kidnappers from receiving justice, and his partner is haunted by overwhelming survivor's guilt.

Good for

  • Friends night
  • Teens
  • Thought-provoking

Skip it if

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  • You want to half-watch while scrolling

Where to watch

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Not for warmth, laughs or comfort.

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Cast

24 of 38

Crew

Directed by
Harold Becker
Written by
Joseph Wambaugh
Produced by
Walter Coblenz
Music by
Eumir Deodato

Everyone

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Facts

September 9, 1979 · 2 h 2 min · R

Released
September 9, 1979
Runtime
2 h 2 min
Age rating
R
Content
Violence
Genres
Crime, Drama
Original language
English
Made in
United States
Available in
8 countries
Keywords
based on true story

Q&A

3 questions, like "Where can I stream The Onion Field?"

Questions about The Onion Field

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Onion Field?

BFI Player

In the United States, The Onion Field streams on BFI Player. It also streams in 4 other countries.

Is The Onion Field worth watching?

60
DecentGoodWatch score

Opinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 60 (IMDb 6.8, Rotten Tomatoes 87%, and Metacritic 57).

Will I feel good after watching The Onion Field?

BleakHopeful

Probably not: the title analysis rates it 8 of 10 for bleakness and 8 for melancholy, against 3 for hopefulness.