Onibaba
7.8
Onibaba fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, no humor.
Energy
Nerve-racking and scary
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension9
- Scare8
- Violence6
Heart
Melancholic and moving
Much of it is about family.
- Melancholy8
- Family Dynamics8
- Pathos7
Humor
Serious throughout
- Dark Humor1
- Situational Comedy0
- Wit & Wordplay0
World
The mind, history, and crime
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion9
- Rewatchability7
- Novelty7
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and characters
- Direction9
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
Style
Standout cinematography, sound design, and editing
A distinctive visual signature.
- Cinematography9
- Sound Centrality9
- Editing8
Energy
HighNerve-racking and scary
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Onibaba is nerve-racking and scary. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension9Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Scare8Frightening moments and scares.
- Violence6Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline4High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Uncanny8Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Grotesque7Macabre, distorted imagery.
- Warfare6Battles, strategy, and conflict.
Heart
LowMelancholic and moving
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's melancholic and moving. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics8Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Romance5Love stories and emotional connections.
- Catharsis3Emotional release and payoff.
- Hopefulness1Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome0Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia0Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Spiritual6Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Humor
NoneSerious throughout
Expect almost no humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor1Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Wit & Wordplay0Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
Related traits
- Eccentricity6Oddball tone and quirks.
World
MediumThe mind, history, and crime
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around the mind, history, and crime. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity6Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Dialogue Centrality5Stories driven by conversation.
Related traits
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Crime8Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Warfare6Battles, strategy, and conflict.
- Spiritual6Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and characters
The direction, performances, and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction9Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
Style
HighStandout cinematography, sound design, and editing
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the cinematography, sound design, and editing stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography9Visual composition and camera work.
- Sound Centrality9Sound design as core element.
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition8Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization8Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Grotesque7Macabre, distorted imagery.
- Dialogue Centrality5Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
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Questions about Onibaba
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Onibaba worth watching?
Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 86/100 (IMDb 7.8 and Rotten Tomatoes 90%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Onibaba rated?
Content advisories: violence, nudity, sexual content, and disturbing imagery.
How long is Onibaba?
1 h 45 min
Onibaba runs 1 h 45 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Onibaba?
Yes. Critics average 90 and audiences 84 out of 100, so both groups see Onibaba much the same way.
What language is Onibaba in?
It was made in Japanese. Produced in Japan.
In how many countries can I watch Onibaba?
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Onibaba in 9 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Onibaba use?
TV Tropes lists 42 storytelling tropes for Onibaba, including Ghostly Glide, Mrs. Robinson, War for Fun and Profit.