The Hidden Blade fingerprint
Strong craft, striking style, a touch of humor.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Violence6
- Fast Pace5
Heart
Moving and melancholic
- Pathos8
- Melancholy7
- Catharsis7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Dark Humor3
- Physical Comedy2
World
History
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality6
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Direction7
- Acting7
- Narrative Structure7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Music Composition7
- Sound Centrality7
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Hidden Blade is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence6Physical conflict and intensity.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline4High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumMoving and melancholic
Emotionally, it's moving, melancholic, and cathartic.
All heart traits
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance6Love stories and emotional connections.
- Family Dynamics6Relationships and generational ties.
- Hopefulness5Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia5Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age5Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wholesome4Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumHistory
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Mystery6Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
- Politics5Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Psychological5Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
HighSolid, not remarkable
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable.
All craft traits
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative2Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Educational7Informative and instructive.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
HighFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
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
Actors
Crew
Sequels and Prequels
Media
Questions about The Hidden Blade
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Hidden Blade worth watching?
Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 79/100 (IMDb 7.6, Rotten Tomatoes 84%, and Metacritic 76). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Hidden Blade rated?
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence.
How long is The Hidden Blade?
2 h 12 min
The Hidden Blade runs 2 h 12 min.
Is The Hidden Blade based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Hidden Blade?
Yes. Critics average 80 and audiences 79 out of 100, so both groups see The Hidden Blade much the same way.
What language is The Hidden Blade in?
It was made in Japanese. Produced in Japan.
In how many countries can I watch The Hidden Blade?
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Hidden Blade in 7 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Hidden Blade use?
TV Tropes lists 16 storytelling tropes for The Hidden Blade, including The Ace, Cultural Cringe, End of an Age.

7.6
















