The Negotiator

2003·Movie
1h 47min
81
GreatGoodWatch score

Where to watch

No stream option in US yet.

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

The Negotiator fingerprint

High energy, strong craft, a touch of humor.

Energy

Tense and thrilling

Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.

  • Tension8
  • Adrenaline7
  • Fast Pace6

Heart

Cathartic

  • Catharsis7
  • Pathos6
  • Romance5

Humor

A little humor

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Wit & Wordplay3
  • Dark Humor3
  • Physical Comedy2

World

Crime, everyday modern life, and mystery

  • World Immersion7
  • Dialogue Centrality7
  • Rewatchability7

Craft

Standout storytelling

Layered plot that rewards full attention.

  • Intrigue9
  • Narrative Structure8
  • Complexity8

Style

Standout editing

  • Editing8
  • Cinematography7
  • Music Composition6

Who it's for

AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensDrop-in FriendlyPure 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

After a convenience store robbery, three unidentified men hold a group of people hostage in a hospital. Inspector Ishida and Captain Tohno handle the negotiations while one of their colleagues, Lt. Ando, tries to find out why the men decided to take the hospital hostage. Through flashbacks, relevant information is revealed to the audience. When the negotiations are finished, most things seem to be fine until they lose track of the criminals. Then, the story unveils from a different perspective, its roots in feelings of love and vengeance.
Crime NegotiationHostage SituationSuspensefulPsychological ElementsIntriguing Plot TwistsCharacter-DrivenFlashback StructureJapanese Cinema

Crew

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about The Negotiator

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Negotiator legally?

GoodWatch doesn't know of a legal streaming option for The Negotiator in the United States right now. Pick another country in the Where to Watch section to check elsewhere.

Is The Negotiator worth watching?

81
GreatGoodWatch score

Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 82/100 (IMDb 6.9, Rotten Tomatoes 74%, and Metacritic 88). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is The Negotiator rated?

Violence

Content advisories: violence.

How long is The Negotiator?

1 h 47 min

The Negotiator runs 1 h 47 min.

Do critics and audiences agree on The Negotiator?

Critics81
Audiences77

Yes. Critics average 81 and audiences 77 out of 100, so both groups see The Negotiator much the same way.

What language is The Negotiator in?

Japanese

It was made in Japanese. Produced in Japan.

What tropes does The Negotiator use?

Internal AffairsAir-Vent PassagewayDouble MeaningOnly a Flesh WoundMen of SherwoodWrongful Accusation InsuranceForeshadowingFalse Flag OperationPunk in the TrunkJurisdiction FrictionHate SinkRed Herringand 80 more

TV Tropes lists 92 storytelling tropes for The Negotiator, including Internal Affairs, Air-Vent Passageway, Double Meaning.

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