7.0
Where can I stream Sayonara legally?
Sayonara is included with a subscription to YouTube TV and TCM in the United States. You can watch it free with ads on Hoopla, YouTube Free, and Tubi TV. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Sayonara fingerprint
Strong craft, striking style, no humor.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Tension6
- Spectacle5
- Fast Pace4
Heart
Deeply romantic and moving
Much of it is about family.
- Romance10
- Pathos7
- Family Dynamics7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Situational Comedy1
- Physical Comedy1
World
History, society, and everyday modern life
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout performances, direction, and storytelling
- Acting9
- Direction8
- Narrative Structure8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
Sayonara is calm and low-intensity.
All energy traits
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
MediumDeeply romantic and moving
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's deeply romantic and moving. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Romance10Love stories and emotional connections.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Family Dynamics7Relationships and generational ties.
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia5Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Coming of Age3Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor0Humor from taboo or grim topics.
Related traits
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumHistory, society, and everyday modern life
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history, society, and everyday modern life. 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.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity2Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Contemporary Realism7Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Politics6Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Psychological5Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
HighStandout performances, direction, and storytelling
The performances, direction, and storytelling stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity4Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
HighFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization3Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking
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About
"I am not allowed to love. But I will love you if that is your desire..."
Air Force Major Lloyd Gruver is reassigned to a Japanese air base and is confronted with US racial prejudice against the Japanese people. The issue is compounded because a number of the soldiers become romantically involved with Japanese women, in defiance of US military policy. Ordinarily, a by-the-book officer, Gruver must take a position when a buddy of his, an enlisted man, Joe Kelly, falls in love with a Japanese woman, Katsumi, and marries her. Gruver risks his position by serving as best man at the wedding ceremony.
Classic Hollywood DramaForbidden RomancePost-War JapanAnti-Prejudice NarrativeMilitary LifeCross-Cultural RelationshipsSocial CommentaryMarlon Brando PerformanceHistorical Setting
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Sayonara
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Sayonara worth watching?
77
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 77/100 (IMDb 7 and Rotten Tomatoes 82%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Sayonara rated?
NR
It's rated NR in the United States.
How long is Sayonara?
2 h 27 min
Sayonara runs 2 h 27 min.
Is Sayonara based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on Sayonara?
Critics82
Audiences75
Yes. Critics average 82 and audiences 75 out of 100, so both groups see Sayonara much the same way.
What language is Sayonara in?
EnglishJapanese
It was made in English, with some Japanese. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Sayonara?
94
+80
+80GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Sayonara in 94 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Sayonara use?
Beta CoupleTogether in DeathBroken AceDriven to SuicideYellowfaceMaligned Mixed MarriageScenery PornIronyDisposable FiancéeShell-Shocked VeteranBig Damn KissAuthor Appealand 34 more
TV Tropes lists 46 storytelling tropes for Sayonara, including Beta Couple, Together in Death, Broken Ace.