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The Sensei

2008·Movie
1h 35min

Where to watch

Links go to licensed services. Data from JustWatch and TMDB.

The Sensei fingerprint

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Energy

Tense

Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.

  • Tension7
  • Violence6
  • Adrenaline5

Heart

Moving and melancholic

Much of it is about growing up.

  • Coming of Age9
  • Pathos8
  • Melancholy7

Humor

Some cringe comedy and dark humor

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Cringe Humor5
  • Dark Humor5
  • Wit & Wordplay3

World

Everyday modern life, growing up, and the mind

  • World Immersion7
  • Dialogue Centrality7
  • Novelty6

Craft

Standout characters

  • Character Depth8
  • Acting7
  • Dialogue Quality7

Style

Functional look and sound

  • Cinematography6
  • Editing6
  • Music Composition6

Who it's for

AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking

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About

The Courage to Fight. The Strength to Win.

Lonely gay teenager, McClain, struggles to fit in with his classmates in a small, conservative Colorado town. After he's severely beaten at school, Karen O'Neil, a martial arts Sensei, secretly trains him to defend himself. When the town discovers their secret, a series of catastrophic events unfolds.
LGBTQ+ Coming of AgeMartial ArtsSmall Town PrejudiceSecret TrainingCharacter-Driven DramaSocial IssuesViolence and DiscriminationFinding StrengthConservative Community

Crew

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

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Questions about The Sensei

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Is The Sensei worth watching?

57
DecentGoodWatch score

Opinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 57/100 (IMDb 6.5). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is The Sensei rated?

ViolenceStrong language

Content advisories: violence and strong language.

How long is The Sensei?

1 h 35 min

The Sensei runs 1 h 35 min.

What language is The Sensei in?

English

It was made in English. Produced in United States.

In how many countries can I watch The Sensei?

132ADAGALAOARATAUAZBABBBEBFBGBM+118

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Sensei in 132 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.