6.9
Where can I stream Sadness legally?
You can watch it free with ads on Kanopy. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Sadness
1999·Movie
·52min·
Sadness fingerprint
Strong craft, calm.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension3
- Fast Pace2
- Violence2
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
- Pathos9
- Melancholy8
- Family Dynamics8
Humor
Serious throughout
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Dark Humor1
- Situational Comedy0
World
A real life story, everyday modern life, and family
- World Immersion6
- Dialogue Centrality6
- Novelty6
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and characters
- Direction8
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Visual Stylization6
Energy
NoneCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Sadness is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension3Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace2Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline1High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle1Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumDeeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, melancholic, and cathartic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics8Relationships and generational ties.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance6Love stories and emotional connections.
- Nostalgia6Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Hopefulness5Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome4Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age3Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor1Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumA real life story, everyday modern life, and family
Its world is built around a real life story, everyday modern life, and family.
All world traits
- World Immersion6Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability5Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Biographical9Lives of notable figures.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Politics6Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Historical5Period settings and real events.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and characters
The direction, performances, and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Intrigue5Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Meta Narrative5Stories about storytelling.
- Non-linear Narrative4Time-shifts and structure play.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Composition5Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality4Songs central to storytelling.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You want something to laugh at
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
Based on photographer William Yang's one man stage show, "Sadness" chronicles two diverging narratives through the use of slide photography, oral history and stylised recreation. One story follows Yang's pilgrimage into the heart of the North Queensland sugar cane fields as he investigates the murder of his uncle Fang Yuen. The other is a series of moving portraits of the many friends and lovers Yang has lost to AIDS. Director Tony Ayres skillfully weaves these two separate stories together creating a powerful testament to family, friends, love and loss. Cinematography by Tristan Milani. Narrated by William Yang.
Personal DocumentaryAIDS Crisis MemoirGrief and LossFamily MysteryLGBTQ+ HistoryOral History NarrativeEmotional TestimonyCinematic SlideshowSocial ActivismIntimate Reflection
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Sadness
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Sadness worth watching?
79
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 80/100 (IMDb 6.9). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Sadness rated?
Strong language
Content advisories: strong language.
How long is Sadness?
0 h 52 min
Sadness runs 0 h 52 min.
Is Sadness based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
What language is Sadness in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in Australia.