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The Hidden Blade

2004·Movie
2h 12min·R
78
GreatGoodWatch score

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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

Who it's for

AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensPure EscapismThought-Provoking

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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.

About

Set in 19th Century Japan a young samurai who finds himself in love with a farm girl leaves his home to begin a new life. He has to take stock of his new life when he is put to the test and ordered to kill a traitor who just happens to be his dearest friend.
Samurai Drama19th Century JapanMoral ConflictPolitical IntrigueHistorical SettingForbidden LoveLoyalty vs. DutyEmotional Depth

Media

Questions about The Hidden Blade

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Hidden Blade legally?

You can watch it free with ads on Kanopy and Hoopla. You can also rent or buy it from Rakuten Viki. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is The Hidden Blade worth watching?

78
GreatGoodWatch score

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?

RViolence

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?

Critics80
Audiences79

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?

Japanese

It was made in Japanese. Produced in Japan.

In how many countries can I watch The Hidden Blade?

7ATBRCACHDEJPUS

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?

The AceCultural CringeEnd of an AgeGeishaBroken AceCloser to EarthAlways Someone BetterAll of the Other ReindeerHonor Before ReasonAnnoying Younger SiblingPeriod PieceAlways Save the Girland 4 more

TV Tropes lists 16 storytelling tropes for The Hidden Blade, including The Ace, Cultural Cringe, End of an Age.