8.2
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The Joke
1990·Movie
·2h 16min·
The Joke fingerprint
Funny, strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Tension5
- Fast Pace5
- Adrenaline2
Heart
Nostalgic and moving
- Nostalgia8
- Pathos7
- Melancholy6
Humor
Plenty of satire and dark humor
- Satire & Parody9
- Dark Humor8
- Wit & Wordplay7
World
Society, everyday modern life, and politics
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- Dialogue Centrality9
- World Immersion8
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout performances and dialogue
- Acting8
- Dialogue Quality8
- Direction7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography6
- Editing6
- Music Composition5
All energy traits
- Tension5Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
LowNostalgic and moving
Emotionally, it's nostalgic and moving.
All heart traits
- Nostalgia8Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics4Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
HighPlenty of satire and dark humor
Expect plenty of satire and dark humor.
All humor traits
- Satire & Parody9Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor8Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay7Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Absurdist Humor7Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy6Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Cringe Humor5Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Physical Comedy3Slapstick and visual gags.
Related traits
- Camp & Irony6Stylized exaggeration and wink.
- Eccentricity5Oddball tone and quirks.
World
MediumSociety, everyday modern life, and politics
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around society, everyday modern life, and politics. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Social Commentary10Perspectives on society and norms.
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Politics9Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Class & Capitalism6Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Psychological5Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
HighStandout performances and dialogue
The performances and dialogue stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Meta Narrative2Stories about storytelling.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
Related traits
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography6Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition5Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization4Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality3Songs central to storytelling.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- Camp & Irony6Stylized exaggeration and wink.
Who it's for
AdultsFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
Made in the tragic comedy genre, this film is about the dysfunctional Soviet management system in Azerbaijan SSR at the end of 1980s and about the decadence and corruption of the Soviet bureaucracy.
Soviet Bureaucracy SatireAzerbaijani Cultural SpecificityTragicomedy of DecayLate Perestroika EraInstitutional AbsurditySharp Political CommentaryNostalgic yet BleakDysfunctional ManagementCharacter-Driven Irony
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Composed by:
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Joke
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Joke worth watching?
65
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 65/100 (IMDb 8.2). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Joke rated?
Strong language
Content advisories: strong language.
How long is The Joke?
2 h 16 min
The Joke runs 2 h 16 min.
What language is The Joke in?
AzerbaijaniRussian
It was made in Azerbaijani, with some Russian. Produced in Russia.