6.9
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Hard Times
1988·Movie
·1h 30min·
Hard Times fingerprint
Low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension5
- Fast Pace2
- Spectacle2
Heart
Moving
Much of it is about family.
- Family Dynamics8
- Pathos7
- Melancholy6
Humor
Some satire
Not a comedy at heart.
- Satire & Parody6
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Cringe Humor2
World
Class and money, society, and history
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Novelty6
Craft
Standout performances
- Acting8
- Direction7
- Narrative Structure7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography6
- Editing6
- Music Composition5
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Hard Times is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension5Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace2Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline1High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
LowMoving
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's moving. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics8Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Nostalgia5Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Catharsis4Emotional release and payoff.
- Coming of Age4Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowSome satire
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some satire.
All humor traits
- Satire & Parody6Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
World
MediumClass and money, society, and history
Its world is built around class and money, society, and history.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability4Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity2Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Class & Capitalism10Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Politics7Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Contemporary Realism6Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological5Inner worlds and mind games.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity5Layered plots and ideas.
- Intrigue4Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Homage & Reference8Allusions to other works.
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Educational5Informative and instructive.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography6Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition5Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization4Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality3Songs central to storytelling.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFamily Movie NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You want fast pacing
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
A film adaptation of the Charles Dickens novel "Hard Times" set in a Portuguese industrial town of the 1980s.
Dickensian AdaptationIndustrial CritiquePortuguese Social RealismClass Struggle DramaHistorical FictionMelancholic ToneEducational SatireFamily ConflictSlow-Burn Narrative
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Hard Times
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Hard Times worth watching?
68
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 69/100 (IMDb 6.9 and Metacritic 69). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How long is Hard Times?
1 h 30 min
Hard Times runs 1 h 30 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Hard Times?
Critics69
Audiences71
Yes. Critics average 69 and audiences 71 out of 100, so both groups see Hard Times much the same way.
What language is Hard Times in?
Portuguese
It was made in Portuguese. Produced in Portugal, United Kingdom.
What tropes does Hard Times use?
Punch-Clock VillainPistol-WhippingThe Worf EffectGilligan CutRed Oni, Blue OniFight ClubbingHard HeadThe Quiet OneThe TrampBald Head of ToughnessPower FistPerpetual Smilerand 6 more
TV Tropes lists 18 storytelling tropes for Hard Times, including Punch-Clock Villain, Pistol-Whipping, The Worf Effect.