7.1
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You can watch it free with ads on Kanopy. You can also rent or buy it from Amazon Video. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The Citizen
2017·Movie
·1h 48min·
The Citizen fingerprint
Funny, immersive world, light on feelings.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension8
- Fast Pace2
- Violence2
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
- Pathos9
- Melancholy8
- Catharsis6
Humor
Plenty of satire and cringe comedy
- Satire & Parody8
- Cringe Humor7
- Wit & Wordplay5
World
Society, everyday modern life, and politics
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- Dialogue Centrality9
- World Immersion8
- Novelty7
Craft
Standout performances, dialogue, and direction
- Acting9
- Dialogue Quality9
- Direction8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Visual Stylization5
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Citizen is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace2Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline1High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle1Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
LowDeeply moving and melancholic
Emotionally, it's deeply moving and melancholic.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics4Relationships and generational ties.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Romance1Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
HighPlenty of satire and cringe comedy
Expect plenty of satire and cringe comedy.
All humor traits
- Satire & Parody8Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Cringe Humor7Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Wit & Wordplay5Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor5Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Absurdist Humor4Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
World
HighSociety, everyday modern life, and politics
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around society, everyday modern life, and politics. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Social Commentary10Perspectives on society and norms.
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Politics9Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Class & Capitalism6Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout performances, dialogue, and direction
The performances, dialogue, and direction stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Dialogue Quality9Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity5Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Educational5Informative and instructive.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Composition4Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality2Songs central to storytelling.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner 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
The heart-wrenching story of The Citizen begins with a citizenship exam, where the examination committee rigorously questions a middle-aged African man. No matter how beautifully he recites Hungarian poetry, Wilson, a political refugee in his late fifties, fails the exams for the umpteenth time, because he doesn’t know where the periodical ‘Magyar Közlöny’ got its name from, and what the Corvinae are. Moreover, inspired by Vörösmarty’s poem, the committee chairman even questions his reasons for leaving his mother country. Wilson argues that his reasons include his fellow citizens cutting pregnant women in half, yet he doesn’t manage to soften the heart of the committee members.
Bureaucratic AbsurdityImmigration SatireEmotional CrueltyHungarian Identity CrisisDark RealismPower DynamicsIntellectual HumiliationSocial CritiqueQuiet DesperationKafkaesque Nightmare
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
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Questions about The Citizen
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Citizen worth watching?
61
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 61/100 (IMDb 7.1 and Metacritic 50). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Citizen rated?
Strong language
Content advisories: strong language.
How long is The Citizen?
1 h 48 min
The Citizen runs 1 h 48 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Citizen?
Critics50
Audiences75
Not quite. Audiences rate The Citizen higher (75) than critics (50). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
What language is The Citizen in?
Hungarian
It was made in Hungarian. Produced in Hungary.