7.3
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Bastard Out of Carolina
1996·Movie
Bastard Out of Carolina fingerprint
High energy, big heart, a touch of humor.
Energy
Tense and violent
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Violence7
- Adrenaline3
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family and growing up.
- Pathos9
- Family Dynamics9
- Melancholy8
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Dark Humor3
- Cringe Humor2
World
History, family, and growing up
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout characters and performances
- Character Depth9
- Acting8
- Intrigue8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing6
- Music Composition6
Energy
HighTense and violent
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Bastard Out of Carolina is tense and violent. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence7Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
HighDeeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family and growing up.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, melancholic, and cathartic. Much of it is about family and growing up.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Coming of Age8Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance5Love stories and emotional connections.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumHistory, family, and growing up
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history, family, and growing up. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Class & Capitalism7Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout characters and performances
The characters and performances stand out.
All craft traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsSolo WatchThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You need an uplifting moodYou 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
A poor, struggling South Carolinian mother and daughter face painful choices with their resolve and pride. Bone, the eldest daughter, and Anney her tired mother, grow both closer and farther apart: Anney sees Glen as her last chance.
Southern Gothic DramaDysfunctional FamilyComing-of-Age TraumaPoverty and AbuseResilienceHistorical SettingEmotional HardshipCharacter-Driven Narrative
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Bastard Out of Carolina
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Bastard Out of Carolina worth watching?
80
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 81/100 (IMDb 7.3, Rotten Tomatoes 100%, and Metacritic 75). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Bastard Out of Carolina rated?
RViolenceSexual contentStrong language
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence, sexual content, and strong language.
How long is Bastard Out of Carolina?
1 h 37 min
Bastard Out of Carolina runs 1 h 37 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Bastard Out of Carolina?
Critics88
Audiences75
Not quite. Critics rate Bastard Out of Carolina higher (88) than audiences (75). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is Bastard Out of Carolina in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Bastard Out of Carolina?
3
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Bastard Out of Carolina in 3 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Bastard Out of Carolina use?
Parental SubstituteParental AbandonmentIt Began with a Twist of FateHope SpotOnly Known by Their NicknameNarratorWhat Happened to the Mouse?Poverty FoodDisappeared DadMood WhiplashDeliberate Values DissonanceTitle Dropand 19 more
TV Tropes lists 31 storytelling tropes for Bastard Out of Carolina, including Parental Substitute, Parental Abandonment, It Began with a Twist of Fate.