5.7
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The Defector
1966·Movie
·1h 40min·
The Defector fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Nerve-racking
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension9
- Adrenaline5
- Scare3
Heart
Melancholic
- Melancholy7
- Pathos6
- Nostalgia5
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay6
- Dark Humor2
- Satire & Parody1
World
Politics, history, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability4
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Intrigue8
- Direction7
- Acting7
Style
Standout cinematography
- Cinematography8
- Editing7
- Music Composition6
Energy
HighNerve-racking
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Defector is nerve-racking. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension9Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
LowMelancholic
Emotionally, it's melancholic.
All heart traits
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Nostalgia5Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Catharsis4Emotional release and payoff.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Family Dynamics2Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome0Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth6Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
LowSome sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay6Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumPolitics, history, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around politics, history, and the mind. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability4Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty3Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Politics9Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Mystery6Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Crime5Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Social Commentary5Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighSolid, not remarkable
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable.
All craft traits
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth6Rich, complex characterization.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
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 Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality4Songs central to storytelling.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensThought-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
An American scientist is sent by the CIA to East Germany to retrieve a secret microfilm from a Soviet scientist interested in defecting to the West but the Stasi secret police's surveillance complicates matters.
Cold War Espionage ThrillerHigh-Stakes TensionHistorical DramaPsychological SuspenseAtmospheric & BleakSlow-Burn NarrativePolitical IntrigueEast German SettingStasi SurveillanceIntellectual Mystery
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
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Questions about The Defector
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Defector worth watching?
56
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 56/100 (IMDb 5.7). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How long is The Defector?
1 h 40 min
The Defector runs 1 h 40 min.
What language is The Defector in?
EnglishGerman
It was made in English, with some German. Produced in France, Germany.
In how many countries can I watch The Defector?
5
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Defector in 5 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.