6.2
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Muscle
1989·Movie
·58min·
Muscle fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Tense and violent
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension8
- Violence8
- Adrenaline7
Heart
Melancholic
- Melancholy7
- Romance6
- Pathos6
Humor
Some dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor7
- Cringe Humor4
- Wit & Wordplay3
World
Everyday modern life, the mind, and crime
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Ambiguity7
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Intrigue8
- Direction7
- Acting7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing6
- Music Composition6
Energy
HighTense and violent
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Muscle is tense, violent, and thrilling. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence8Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline7High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare5Frightening moments and scares.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Uncanny7Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Grotesque7Macabre, distorted imagery.
All heart traits
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Romance6Love stories and emotional connections.
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis4Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia2Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age2Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
MediumSome dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some dark humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor7Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor4Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Absurdist Humor3Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
Related traits
- Eccentricity5Oddball tone and quirks.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, the mind, and crime
Its world is built around everyday modern life, the mind, and crime. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability4Invites repeat viewing.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism10Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Crime8Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Mystery6Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
- Class & Capitalism5Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighSolid, not remarkable
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable.
All craft traits
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Narrative Structure5Story architecture and form.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality4Songs central to storytelling.
Related traits
- Grotesque7Macabre, distorted imagery.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsSolo WatchThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You need an uplifting moodGraphic violence bothers youYou're watching with family
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About
A tale of hidden obsessions & explicit desires.
Ryuzaki, an editor of Muscle Magazine, which features photographs of men with sculpted bodies, becomes involved with a man named Kitami; their affair soon becomes dominated by sadomasochistic games, with a horrid result. Jump ahead one year, Ryuzaki is released from jail and goes in search of Kitami, perhaps to make amends.
Sadomasochistic ThemesPsychological ThrillerCrime & RedemptionErotic TensionExploration of SexualityDark NarrativeJapanese CinemaCharacter StudyIntense & Disturbing
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Muscle
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Muscle worth watching?
57
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 57/100 (IMDb 6.2 and Rotten Tomatoes 100%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Muscle rated?
NuditySexual contentViolenceDisturbing imagery
Content advisories: nudity, sexual content, violence, and disturbing imagery.
How long is Muscle?
0 h 58 min
Muscle runs 0 h 58 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Muscle?
Critics100
Audiences56
Not quite. Critics rate Muscle higher (100) than audiences (56). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is Muscle in?
Japanese
It was made in Japanese. Produced in Japan.