4.5
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The Principal
2003·Movie
·1h 35min·
The Principal fingerprint
Low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Tension4
- Fast Pace4
- Adrenaline3
Heart
Moving
Much of it is about family and growing up.
- Family Dynamics8
- Pathos7
- Coming of Age7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Situational Comedy4
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Cringe Humor3
World
Everyday modern life, family, and growing up
- Dialogue Centrality7
- World Immersion6
- Rewatchability5
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Acting7
- Character Depth7
- Direction6
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography6
- Editing6
- Music Composition5
All energy traits
- Tension4Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
MediumMoving
Much of it is about family and growing up.
Emotionally, it's moving. Much of it is about family and growing up.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics8Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Coming of Age7Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Nostalgia3Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
All humor traits
- Situational Comedy4Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody3Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
Related traits
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, family, and growing up
Its world is built around everyday modern life, family, and growing up.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion6Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability5Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty4Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
- Psychological5Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
MediumSolid, not remarkable
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable.
All craft traits
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction6Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Intrigue5Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Educational6Informative and instructive.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
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 Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality4Songs central to storytelling.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalKidsPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyPure EscapismThought-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
François, director of a primary school, teaches third graders. It's a demanding position, leaving him little time for his private life. But he is committed. At the beginning of the school year, his daughter has come to stay with him. Laura is 14 and has arrived from Tahiti with her mother for the first time after his separation, shaking up his calm existence. In the school courtyard, behind the playful games and laughter of the kids, their cries mask problems they struggle with on a day to day basis. Francois is more than a teacher, he's a friend and a protector.
Primary School LifeFamily DramaComing-of-AgeSocial IssuesEducationalCharacter-DrivenFrench CinemaRealisticEmotional Resonance
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Principal
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Principal worth watching?
53
MediocreGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 53/100 (IMDb 4.5). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How long is The Principal?
1 h 35 min
The Principal runs 1 h 35 min.
What language is The Principal in?
French
It was made in French. Produced in France.
What tropes does The Principal use?
Never Learned to ReadReassigned to AntarcticaIs That a Threat?Save Our StudentsBadass TeacherInner City SchoolAttempted RapeBadass BikerArc WordsNon-Giving-Up School GuyNow It's My Turn
TV Tropes lists 11 storytelling tropes for The Principal, including Never Learned to Read, Reassigned to Antarctica, Is That a Threat?.