5.6
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Absolute Beginners fingerprint
Stunning style, high energy.
Energy
Spectacular and tense
Fast from start to finish.
- Spectacle8
- Tension7
- Fast Pace7
Heart
Romantic and nostalgic
Much of it is about growing up.
- Coming of Age9
- Romance8
- Nostalgia8
Humor
Some sharp wit and satire
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay6
- Satire & Parody6
- Situational Comedy3
World
History, pop culture, and growing up
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- World Immersion9
- Rewatchability8
- Dialogue Centrality7
Craft
Standout direction
- Direction8
- Acting7
- Narrative Structure7
Style
Standout score, visual style, and cinematography
A distinctive visual signature.
- Music Composition10
- Music Centrality10
- Visual Stylization9
Energy
HighSpectacular and tense
Fast from start to finish.
Absolute Beginners is spectacular, tense, and fast-paced.
All energy traits
- Spectacle8Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline6High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence5Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
MediumRomantic and nostalgic
Much of it is about growing up.
Emotionally, it's romantic, nostalgic, and wondrous. Much of it is about growing up.
All heart traits
- Coming of Age9Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Romance8Love stories and emotional connections.
- Nostalgia8Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder7Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Melancholy5Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
MediumSome sharp wit and satire
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit and satire.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay6Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody6Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy3Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
Related traits
- Pastiche8Playful imitation of styles.
- Camp & Irony6Stylized exaggeration and wink.
- Eccentricity6Oddball tone and quirks.
World
HighHistory, pop culture, and growing up
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around history, pop culture, and growing up. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical10Period settings and real events.
- Pop Culture10References and cultural commentary.
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Politics8Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Showbiz8Entertainment industry and performance.
- Class & Capitalism8Wealth, power, and inequality.
All craft traits
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Meta Narrative4Stories about storytelling.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
Related traits
- Homage & Reference8Allusions to other works.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Educational5Informative and instructive.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
Style
Very highStandout score, visual style, and cinematography
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the score, visual style, and cinematography stand out.
All style traits
- Music Composition10Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality10The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization9Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Spectacle8Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Pastiche8Playful imitation of styles.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Camp & Irony6Stylized exaggeration and wink.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightParty VibePartner WatchSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking
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About
Welcome to the world of your dreams!
A musical adaptation of Colin MacInnes' novel about life in late 1950s London. Nineteen-year-old photographer Colin is hopelessly in love with model Crepe Suzette, but her relationships are strictly connected with her progress in the fashion world. So Colin gets involved with a pop promoter and tries to crack the big time. Meanwhile, racial tension is brewing in Colin's Notting Hill housing estate...
1950s London MusicalYouth Culture DramaRacial TensionFashion & Pop MusicComing-of-Age StorySocial CommentaryStylized VisualsVibrant SoundtrackRomantic Struggles
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 Absolute Beginners
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Absolute Beginners worth watching?
59
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 60/100 (IMDb 5.6, Rotten Tomatoes 73%, and Metacritic 60). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Absolute Beginners rated?
PG-13ViolenceStrong language
It's rated PG-13 in the United States. Content advisories: violence and strong language.
How long is Absolute Beginners?
1 h 48 min
Absolute Beginners runs 1 h 48 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Absolute Beginners?
Critics67
Audiences53
Not quite. Critics rate Absolute Beginners higher (67) than audiences (53). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is Absolute Beginners in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom.
In how many countries can I watch Absolute Beginners?
8
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Absolute Beginners in 8 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Absolute Beginners use?
Comically Missing the PointLipstick LesbianNo Celebrities Were HarmedDisney Acid SequenceAnachronism StewSeven Deadly SinsTeen IdolActor AllusionEvil PlanVery Loosely Based on a True StoryEnemy MineThe Onerand 10 more
TV Tropes lists 22 storytelling tropes for Absolute Beginners, including Comically Missing the Point, Lipstick Lesbian, No Celebrities Were Harmed.