7.3
Where can I stream Memories of a Penitent Heart legally?
You can watch it free with ads on Kanopy. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Memories of a Penitent Heart
2016·Movie
Memories of a Penitent Heart fingerprint
Big heart, strong craft, no humor.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension5
- Fast Pace3
- Adrenaline2
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
- Pathos9
- Family Dynamics9
- Melancholy8
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Cringe Humor2
- Dark Humor2
World
Everyday modern life, a real life story, and family
- Dialogue Centrality8
- World Immersion7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout characters
- Character Depth9
- Intrigue8
- Direction7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition6
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Memories of a Penitent Heart is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension5Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
- Violence1Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
HighDeeply 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.
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia7Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Hopefulness5Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome4Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Coming of Age3Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Spiritual7Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Bleakness6Grim, 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
MediumEveryday modern life, a real life story, and family
Its world is built around everyday modern life, a real life story, and family.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity6Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Biographical9Lives of notable figures.
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Mystery7Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
Craft
HighStandout characters
The characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative4Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Educational9Informative and instructive.
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality4The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality3Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You want fast pacing
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
Twenty five years after Miguel died from AIDS, his niece, filmmaker Cecilia Aldarondo, embarks on an excavation into a quagmire of unresolved family drama. Like many gay men in the 1980s, Miguel moved from Puerto Rico to New York City; he found a career in theater and a rewarding relationship. Yet, on his deathbed he grappled to reconcile his homosexuality with his Catholic upbringing. Now, decades after his death, Cecilia locates Miguel’s lover Robert, who has been shunned and demonized by the family, in order to understand the whole story.
AIDS EpidemicFamily SecretsLGBTQ+ HistoryDocumentaryPuerto Rican CultureCatholicismGrief & ReconciliationUnresolved TraumaPersonal Journey
Crew
Directed by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Memories of a Penitent Heart
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Memories of a Penitent Heart worth watching?
63
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 63/100 (IMDb 7.3). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Memories of a Penitent Heart rated?
Suicide themes
Content advisories: suicide themes.
How long is Memories of a Penitent Heart?
1 h 14 min
Memories of a Penitent Heart runs 1 h 14 min.
Is Memories of a Penitent Heart based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
What language is Memories of a Penitent Heart in?
EnglishSpanish
It was made in English, with some Spanish. Produced in Puerto Rico, United States.
In how many countries can I watch Memories of a Penitent Heart?
5
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Memories of a Penitent Heart in 5 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.