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The Burmese Harp

1985·Movie
2h 13min

Where to watch

No stream option in US yet.

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

The Burmese Harp fingerprint

Stunning style, big heart, no humor.

Energy

Calm and low-key

Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.

  • Spectacle6
  • Tension5
  • Violence5

Heart

Deeply moving and melancholic

  • Pathos9
  • Melancholy8
  • Hopefulness7

Humor

Serious throughout

  • Wit & Wordplay2
  • Situational Comedy0
  • Physical Comedy0

World

Faith and meaning, war, and history

Lived-in and easy to get lost in.

  • World Immersion8
  • Rewatchability7
  • Ambiguity7

Craft

Standout direction, characters, and performances

  • Direction9
  • Character Depth9
  • Acting8

Style

Standout cinematography, score, and sound design

  • Cinematography9
  • Music Composition9
  • Music Centrality9

Who it's for

AdultsIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking

Skip it if

You want something to laugh atYou want fast pacing

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

In the War's closing days, when a conscience-driven Japanese soldier fails to get his countrymen to surrender to overwhelming force, he adopts the lifestyle of a Buddhist monk.
Anti-War NarrativeSpiritual AwakeningPhilosophical JourneyJapanese Cinema ClassicPost-War ReflectionProfound MelancholyConscience-Driven StoryVisually EvocativeMusic-Centric DramaHumanitarian Themes

Crew

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about The Burmese Harp

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Burmese Harp legally?

You can rent or buy it from Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is The Burmese Harp worth watching?

63
DecentGoodWatch score

Opinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 63/100 (IMDb 7). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is The Burmese Harp rated?

Violence

Content advisories: violence.

How long is The Burmese Harp?

2 h 13 min

The Burmese Harp runs 2 h 13 min.

What language is The Burmese Harp in?

Japanese

It was made in Japanese. Produced in Japan.

What tropes does The Burmese Harp use?

Single TearGone Swimming, Clothes StolenI Choose to StayA Father to His MenThe RemnantCircling VulturesDies Wide OpenFinger-Twitching RevivalDue to the DeadWar Is HellP.O.W. CampWalking the Earthand 2 more

TV Tropes lists 14 storytelling tropes for The Burmese Harp, including Single Tear, Gone Swimming, Clothes Stolen, I Choose to Stay.