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The Life of Oharu

1952·Movie
2h 16min
91
ExcellentGoodWatch score

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The Life of Oharu fingerprint

Strong craft, striking style, no humor.

Energy

Calm and low-key

Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.

  • Tension5
  • Fast Pace3
  • Spectacle3

Heart

Deeply moving and profoundly sad

  • Pathos9
  • Melancholy9
  • Family Dynamics6

Humor

Serious throughout

  • Wit & Wordplay2
  • Dark Humor2
  • Satire & Parody1

World

History, society, and a real life story

Lived-in and easy to get lost in.

  • World Immersion8
  • Dialogue Centrality7
  • Rewatchability7

Craft

Standout direction, characters, and performances

  • Direction9
  • Character Depth9
  • Acting8

Style

Standout cinematography

  • Cinematography8
  • Editing7
  • Music Composition7

Who it's for

AdultsPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchThought-Provoking

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You want something to laugh atYou 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

During the Edo Period, a noblewoman's banishment for her love affair with a lowly page signals the beginning of her inexorable fall.
Classic Japanese CinemaHistorical TragedySocial CritiqueMelancholic DramaFemale OppressionDownfall StoryHuman ConditionPeriod PieceCharacter Study

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about The Life of Oharu

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Life of Oharu legally?

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

Is The Life of Oharu worth watching?

91
ExcellentGoodWatch score

Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 91/100 (IMDb 8 and Rotten Tomatoes 100%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is The Life of Oharu rated?

NuditySexual contentDisturbing imagery

Content advisories: nudity, sexual content, and disturbing imagery.

How long is The Life of Oharu?

2 h 16 min

The Life of Oharu runs 2 h 16 min.

Is The Life of Oharu based on a true story?

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

Do critics and audiences agree on The Life of Oharu?

Critics100
Audiences85

Not quite. Critics rate The Life of Oharu higher (100) than audiences (85). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.

What language is The Life of Oharu in?

Japanese

It was made in Japanese. Produced in Japan.

In how many countries can I watch The Life of Oharu?

131ADAGALAOARATAUAZBABBBEBFBGBM+117

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Life of Oharu in 131 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

What tropes does The Life of Oharu use?

Grin of RageThe MistressEpic Tracking ShotPrematurely BaldHigh-Class Call GirlTraumatic HaircutRape as DramaDiabolus ex MachinaGreen-Eyed MonsterJidaigekiWalking the EarthEntitled Bastardand 10 more

TV Tropes lists 22 storytelling tropes for The Life of Oharu, including Grin of Rage, The Mistress, Epic Tracking Shot.