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80
GreatGoodWatch score80
GreatGoodWatch scoreWatchWhere to watch
Not streaming in any country yet.
The Criminal fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, emotionally cool.
Energy
Nerve-racking
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension9
- Violence6
- Adrenaline4
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
- Pathos9
- Family Dynamics9
- Melancholy8
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay5
- Dark Humor3
- Satire & Parody1
World
Crime, family, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout performances, characters, and direction
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Acting9
- Character Depth9
- Direction8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition6
Energy
HighNerve-racking
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Criminal is nerve-racking. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension9Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence6Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline4High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
NoneDeeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving and melancholic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis3Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness1Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia1Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wholesome0Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder0Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowSome sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay5Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor3Humor 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
MediumCrime, family, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around crime, family, 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 Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity6Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty4Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Crime9Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Politics8Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Historical7Period settings and real events.
- Mystery7Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
Craft
HighStandout performances, characters, and direction
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The performances, characters, and direction stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn7Gradual 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.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization4Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsPartner WatchSolo 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
A court justice finds himself in a bad spot when the criminal case that he hears involves members of his own family. He jails his own son for murder and witnesses the break up of his family among other things.
Legal DramaMoral DilemmaFamily TragedyPsychological ThrillerJustice SystemBleak NarrativeCharacter-DrivenSocietal CritiqueIntense Conflict
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Criminal
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Criminal worth watching?
80
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 80/100. The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Criminal rated?
ViolenceDisturbing imagery
Content advisories: violence and disturbing imagery.
How long is The Criminal?
1 h 28 min
The Criminal runs 1 h 28 min.
What language is The Criminal in?
Chinese
It was made in Chinese. Produced in Taiwan.
What tropes does The Criminal use?
London GangsterMarket-Based TitleEverybody SmokesSinister ShivCut Himself ShavingPistol-WhippingWater Wake-upPrison RiotA MacGuffin Full of MoneyDriven to SuicideVulnerable ConvoyGetaway Driverand 13 more
TV Tropes lists 25 storytelling tropes for The Criminal, including London Gangster, Market-Based Title, Everybody Smokes.