6.6
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Lightning Over Water
1980·Movie
Lightning Over Water fingerprint
Strong craft, calm.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension4
- Adrenaline1
- Fast Pace1
Heart
Profoundly sad and deeply moving
- Melancholy10
- Pathos9
- Nostalgia8
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay6
- Dark Humor4
- Absurdist Humor2
World
A real life story, everyday modern life, and show business
- Dialogue Centrality8
- World Immersion7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout performances, characters, and direction
- Acting9
- Character Depth9
- Meta Narrative9
Style
Standout cinematography
- Cinematography8
- Editing7
- Music Composition6
Energy
NoneCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Lightning Over Water is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension4Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline1High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace1Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle1Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
- Violence0Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumProfoundly sad and deeply moving
Emotionally, it's profoundly sad, deeply moving, and nostalgic.
All heart traits
- Melancholy10Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Nostalgia8Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics6Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder6Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome5Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Spiritual6Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Humor
MediumSome sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay6Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
Related traits
- Wholesome5Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumA real life story, everyday modern life, and show business
Its world is built around a real life story, everyday modern life, and show business.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Biographical10Lives of notable figures.
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Showbiz9Entertainment industry and performance.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Spiritual6Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Pop Culture5References and cultural commentary.
Craft
HighStandout performances, characters, and direction
The performances, characters, and direction stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Meta Narrative9Stories about storytelling.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity5Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
Related traits
- Homage & Reference8Allusions to other works.
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Educational6Informative and instructive.
Style
MediumStandout cinematography
Look and sound: the cinematography stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality4The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchThought-Provoking
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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
Director 'Nicholas Ray' is eager to complete a final film before his imminent death from cancer. Wim Wenders is working on his own film Hammett (1983) in Hollywood, but flies to New York to help Ray realize his final wish. Ray's original intent is to make a fiction film about a dying painter who sails to China to find a cure for his disease. He and Wenders discuss this idea, but it is obviously unrealistic given Ray's state of health.
Cinematic FarewellDocumentary Drama HybridIntimate Character StudyMelancholic ReflectionFilmmaker's LegacyRealistic Portrayal of IllnessMeta-Cinematic CommentaryPoignant Human ConnectionSlow-Paced NarrativeArt-House Sensibility
Actors
Crew
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Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Lightning Over Water
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Lightning Over Water worth watching?
68
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 69/100 (IMDb 6.6 and Rotten Tomatoes 70%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How long is Lightning Over Water?
1 h 31 min
Lightning Over Water runs 1 h 31 min.
Is Lightning Over Water based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
Do critics and audiences agree on Lightning Over Water?
Critics70
Audiences68
Yes. Critics average 70 and audiences 68 out of 100, so both groups see Lightning Over Water much the same way.
What language is Lightning Over Water in?
EnglishFrenchGerman
It was made in English, with some French, German. Produced in Germany.
In how many countries can I watch Lightning Over Water?
15
+1
+1GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Lightning Over Water in 15 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.