GoodWatchSign up

A War Story

1981·Movie
1h 22min·NR

Where to watch

Links go to licensed services. Data from JustWatch and TMDB.

A War Story fingerprint

High energy, strong craft, emotionally cool.

Energy

Tense and violent

Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.

  • Tension8
  • Violence7
  • Adrenaline4

Heart

Deeply moving and profoundly sad

  • Pathos9
  • Melancholy9
  • Catharsis3

Humor

Serious throughout

  • Wit & Wordplay1
  • Situational Comedy0
  • Physical Comedy0

World

History, war, and a real life story

Lived-in and easy to get lost in.

  • World Immersion8
  • Dialogue Centrality6
  • Rewatchability4

Craft

Standout performances and characters

  • Acting8
  • Character Depth8
  • Direction7

Style

Functional look and sound

  • Cinematography6
  • Editing6
  • Music Composition6

Who it's for

AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchTeensDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking

Skip it if

You want something to laugh atYou need an uplifting mood

Find more like it

Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.

About

Based on the diaries of Canadian doctor Ben Wheeler during his internment in a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp during World War II, this feature-length docudrama is a glowing account of the spirit and its will to survive physical and mental suffering. The film is comprised of newsreel footage, interviews and dramatic re-enactments.
WWII DramaPOW CampSurvival StoryHistorical TragedyHuman EnduranceMedical DramaBleak & GrittyBiographical ElementsWar Atrocities

Crew

Directed by:

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about A War Story

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream A War Story legally?

You can watch it free with ads on Filmzie. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is A War Story worth watching?

80
GreatGoodWatch score

Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 81/100 (IMDb 7.8). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is A War Story rated?

NRViolenceDisturbing imagery

It's rated NR in the United States. Content advisories: violence and disturbing imagery.

How long is A War Story?

1 h 22 min

A War Story runs 1 h 22 min.

Is A War Story based on a true story?

Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.

What language is A War Story in?

English

It was made in English. Produced in Canada.

In how many countries can I watch A War Story?

94ADALARATAUBABBBEBHBMBOBRBSCA+80

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for A War Story in 94 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.