7.7
Where can I stream City of Joy legally?
City of Joy is included with a subscription to Netflix in the United States. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
City of Joy
2016·Movie
City of Joy fingerprint
Big heart, strong craft, no humor.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Tension6
- Violence5
- Adrenaline2
Heart
Uplifting and moving
Much of it is about family.
- Hopefulness9
- Pathos8
- Wholesome7
Humor
Serious throughout
- Situational Comedy0
- Wit & Wordplay0
- Physical Comedy0
World
Society, everyday modern life, and politics
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion9
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Novelty7
Craft
Standout performances, characters, and direction
- Acting9
- Character Depth9
- Direction8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition6
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
City of Joy is calm and low-intensity.
All energy traits
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence5Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace2Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle1Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Warfare6Battles, strategy, and conflict.
Heart
HighUplifting and moving
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's uplifting, moving, and wholesome. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Hopefulness9Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Wholesome7Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics7Relationships and generational ties.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Wonder5Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance0Love stories and emotional connections.
- Nostalgia0Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
All humor traits
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Wit & Wordplay0Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor0Humor from taboo or grim topics.
Related traits
- Wholesome7Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumSociety, 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
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity2Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Social Commentary10Perspectives on society and norms.
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Politics8Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Biographical8Lives of notable figures.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Warfare6Battles, strategy, and conflict.
Craft
HighStandout performances, characters, and direction
The performances, characters, and direction stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Educational9Informative and instructive.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality4The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization2Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
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About
When we tell the truth, we change the world
The Democratic Republic of Congo has endured 20 years of devastating violence. Rape has been used as a weapon of war to destroy community and access precious minerals. Congo is often referred to as “the worst place in the world to be a woman.” "City of Joy" tells a different story of the region. The film focuses on Jane, a student at a center where women who have suffered unimaginable abuse join together to become leaders. We also meet the founders of the center: a devout Congolese Doctor, a Congolese activist, and a radical N.Y. playwright. The film weaves between joy and pain as these individuals band together to demand hope in a place so often deemed hopeless.
Empowering DocumentaryHuman Rights FocusSocial JusticeTrauma and HealingResilience & HopeCommunity BuildingAfrican ContextActivism & LeadershipInspirational Real Stories
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about City of Joy
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is City of Joy worth watching?
77
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 78/100 (IMDb 7.7 and Rotten Tomatoes 100%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is City of Joy rated?
ViolenceDisturbing imagery
Content advisories: violence and disturbing imagery.
How long is City of Joy?
1 h 14 min
City of Joy runs 1 h 14 min.
Is City of Joy based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
Do critics and audiences agree on City of Joy?
Critics100
Audiences74
Not quite. Critics rate City of Joy higher (100) than audiences (74). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is City of Joy in?
EnglishGermanSwahiliFrench
It was made in English, with some German, Swahili, French. Produced in Congo - Kinshasa, United States.
In how many countries can I watch City of Joy?
131
+117
+117GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for City of Joy in 131 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.