8.2
Ballad of a Soldier fingerprint
Big heart, strong craft, no humor.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Tension6
- Fast Pace5
- Violence5
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
- Pathos9
- Family Dynamics9
- Melancholy8
Humor
Serious throughout
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Dark Humor2
- Situational Comedy1
World
History, family, and war
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and characters
- Direction8
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
Style
Standout cinematography
- Cinematography8
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
Ballad of a Soldier is calm and low-intensity.
All energy traits
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence5Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline4High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Warfare8Battles, strategy, and conflict.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
HighDeeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, melancholic, and cathartic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis8Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance7Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome7Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness7Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia7Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age6Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder6Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
NoneSerious throughout
Expect almost no humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
Related traits
- Wholesome7Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumHistory, family, and war
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history, family, and war. 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.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Warfare8Battles, strategy, and conflict.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Psychological6Inner worlds and mind games.
- Politics5Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and characters
The direction, performances, and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
HighStandout cinematography
Look and sound: the cinematography stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
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Questions about Ballad of a Soldier
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Ballad of a Soldier worth watching?
Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 90/100 (IMDb 8.2 and Rotten Tomatoes 94%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Ballad of a Soldier rated?
Content advisories: violence.
How long is Ballad of a Soldier?
1 h 29 min
Ballad of a Soldier runs 1 h 29 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Ballad of a Soldier?
Yes. Critics average 94 and audiences 88 out of 100, so both groups see Ballad of a Soldier much the same way.
What language is Ballad of a Soldier in?
It was made in Russian. Produced in Russia.
In how many countries can I watch Ballad of a Soldier?
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Ballad of a Soldier in 9 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Ballad of a Soldier use?
TV Tropes lists 18 storytelling tropes for Ballad of a Soldier, including Older Sidekick, Bookends, Absence Makes the Heart Go Yonder.