Mahana
7.1
Mahana fingerprint
No humor.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension6
- Fast Pace4
- Spectacle4
Heart
Moving and cathartic
Much of it is about growing up and family.
- Coming of Age9
- Family Dynamics9
- Pathos7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Situational Comedy2
- Cringe Humor2
World
Growing up, family, and history
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability5
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Acting7
- Character Depth7
- Intrigue7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Music Composition7
- Editing6
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Mahana 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.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence4Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumMoving and cathartic
Much of it is about growing up and family.
Emotionally, it's moving and cathartic. Much of it is about growing up and family.
All heart traits
- Coming of Age9Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Romance5Love stories and emotional connections.
- Nostalgia5Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Spiritual7Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
Related traits
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumGrowing up, family, and history
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around growing up, family, and history. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability5Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Spiritual7Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Psychological6Inner worlds and mind games.
- Mystery5Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Politics5Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
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 Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Educational6Informative and instructive.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
Find more like it
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
From the author of Whale Rider, the screenwriter of Master and Commander and the producer and director of Once Were Warriors comes a profound and enduring tale of rural family life.
Actors
Crew
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
Media
Questions about Mahana
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Mahana worth watching?
Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 79/100 (IMDb 7.1 and Rotten Tomatoes 86%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Mahana rated?
Content advisories: strong language.
How long is Mahana?
1 h 43 min
Mahana runs 1 h 43 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Mahana?
Not quite. Critics rate Mahana higher (86) than audiences (76). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is Mahana in?
It was made in English, with some Māori. Produced in New Zealand.
In how many countries can I watch Mahana?
+4GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Mahana in 18 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.