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Shadow

2018·Movie
1h 56min·PG-13
79
GreatGoodWatch score
IMDb7.0Metacritic817.1Rotten Tomatoes94%80%
IMDb7.0Metacritic817.1Rotten Tomatoes94%80%

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Shadow fingerprint

High energy, immersive world, light on feelings.

Energy

Tense and spectacular

Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.

  • Tension8
  • Spectacle8
  • Adrenaline7

Heart

Cathartic and wondrous

  • Catharsis7
  • Wonder7
  • Melancholy6

Humor

A little humor

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Wit & Wordplay4
  • Dark Humor4
  • Satire & Parody3

World

History, war, and politics

Lived-in and easy to get lost in.

  • World Immersion9
  • Dialogue Centrality7
  • Rewatchability7

Craft

Standout direction, performances, and storytelling

Layered plot that rewards full attention.

  • Direction9
  • Acting8
  • Narrative Structure8

Style

Standout cinematography, visual style, and editing

A distinctive visual signature.

  • Cinematography9
  • Visual Stylization9
  • Editing8

Who it's for

AdultsFriends NightSolo WatchTeensPure EscapismThought-Provoking

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About

The Battlefield in Ink.

In a kingdom ruled by a young and unpredictable king, the military commander has a secret weapon: a shadow, a look-alike who can fool both his enemies and the King himself. Now he must use this weapon in an intricate plan that will lead his people to victory in a war that the King does not want.
Wuxia ActionPolitical IntrigueDoppelganger ThemeHistorical FantasyVisually StunningComplex NarrativePsychological DepthExistential ConflictMoral Ambiguity

Crew

Directed by:
Zhang Yimou, Dee Dee
Written by:
Zhang Yimou, Zhu Sujin, Li Wei
Produced by:
Zhang Zhao, Zhang Zhao, Edward Cheng
Composed by:
Loudboy, Skip Lievsay, Zhao Nan

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about Shadow

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Shadow legally?

PrimeHuluKanopyHooplaFandango at Home FreeMUBIPluto TVVIX

Shadow is included with a subscription to Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, MUBI, and Amazon Prime Video with Ads in the United States. You can watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Hoopla, and Fandango at Home Free. You can also rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is Shadow worth watching?

79
GreatGoodWatch score

Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 80/100 (IMDb 7, Rotten Tomatoes 94%, and Metacritic 81). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is Shadow rated?

PG-13Violence

It's rated PG-13 in the United States. Content advisories: violence.

How long is Shadow?

1 h 56 min

Shadow runs 1 h 56 min.

Do critics and audiences agree on Shadow?

Critics88
Audiences74

Not quite. Critics rate Shadow higher (88) than audiences (74). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.

Was Shadow a box office hit?

Budget$44 million
Box office$92 million

Yes. It cost about $44 million to make and earned $92 million worldwide, 2.1 times its budget.

What language is Shadow in?

Chinese

It was made in Chinese. Produced in China, Hong Kong SAR China.

In how many countries can I watch Shadow?

37ATAUBEBMBRBSCACHDEDKESFIFRGB+23

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Shadow in 37 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.