5.8
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The Key
1997·Movie
·1h 35min·
The Key fingerprint
No humor.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension6
- Adrenaline5
- Fast Pace4
Heart
Romantic
- Romance7
- Melancholy6
- Pathos5
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Cringe Humor2
- Dark Humor2
World
History and the mind
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Ambiguity7
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Acting7
- Character Depth7
- Intrigue7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography6
- Editing6
- Music Composition6
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Key is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence4Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
LowRomantic
Emotionally, it's romantic.
All heart traits
- Romance7Love stories and emotional connections.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos5Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Wonder5Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis4Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics4Relationships and generational ties.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumHistory and the mind
Its world is built around history and the mind. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Rewatchability5Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Mystery6Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
MediumSolid, not remarkable
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable.
All craft traits
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction6Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
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 Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality5Songs central to storytelling.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You want fast pacingYou're watching with family
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
Ikuko is a mature, reserved Kyoto woman married for many years to a respectable, now-middle-aged man. The only problem in their relationship has been that her husband is dissatisfied with her lack of passion during lovemaking. All this changes after they meet the young Mr. Kimura
Japanese CinemaErotic DramaPsychologicalMarriageInfidelitySexual AwakeningKyotoSlow BurnCharacter Study
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Key
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Key worth watching?
53
MediocreGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 54/100 (IMDb 5.8 and Metacritic 40). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Key rated?
NuditySexual content
Content advisories: nudity and sexual content.
How long is The Key?
1 h 35 min
The Key runs 1 h 35 min.
Is The Key based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Key?
Critics40
Audiences36
Yes. Critics average 40 and audiences 36 out of 100, so both groups see The Key much the same way.
What language is The Key in?
Japanese
It was made in Japanese. Produced in Japan.
What tropes does The Key use?
Missing ChildHenpecked HusbandTin-Can RobotCharacter DevelopmentStepford SuburbiaRobot GirlEstablishing Character MomentHard Work Hardly WorksEarn Your Happy EndingSpoiled BratChekhov's SkillIris Outand 19 more
TV Tropes lists 31 storytelling tropes for The Key, including Missing Child, Henpecked Husband, Tin-Can Robot.