7.7
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A City of Sadness fingerprint
Big heart, strong craft, a touch of humor.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension6
- Spectacle5
- Violence5
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
- Pathos9
- Family Dynamics9
- Melancholy8
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Satire & Parody3
- Dark Humor2
World
History, politics, and family
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion9
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout characters, direction, and performances
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Character Depth9
- Direction8
- Acting8
Style
Standout cinematography and score
- Cinematography8
- Music Composition8
- Editing7
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
A City of Sadness is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence5Physical conflict and intensity.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
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.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia7Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Coming of Age3Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody3Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- 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.
World
MediumHistory, politics, and family
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history, politics, and family. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity6Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Historical10Period settings and real events.
- Politics9Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Class & Capitalism5Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout characters, direction, and performances
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The characters, direction, and performances stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative5Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Educational8Informative and instructive.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
HighStandout cinematography and score
Look and sound: the cinematography and score stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition8Score and musical identity.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchThought-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
The story of a family embroiled in the "White Terror," the Kuomintang government's anti-communist political repression that was wrought on the Taiwanese people from 1947-1987.
Taiwanese HistoryPolitical RepressionFamily SagaMelancholy AtmosphereWhite TerrorHistorical DramaComplex NarrativeThought-Provoking
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about A City of Sadness
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is A City of Sadness worth watching?
90
ExcellentGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 90/100 (IMDb 7.7 and Rotten Tomatoes 100%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is A City of Sadness rated?
NRViolence
It's rated NR in the United States. Content advisories: violence.
How long is A City of Sadness?
2 h 38 min
A City of Sadness runs 2 h 38 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on A City of Sadness?
Critics100
Audiences84
Not quite. Critics rate A City of Sadness higher (100) than audiences (84). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is A City of Sadness in?
ChinesecnJapanese
It was made in Chinese, with some cn, Japanese. Produced in Hong Kong SAR China, Taiwan.
What tropes does A City of Sadness use?
Shell-Shocked VeteranDay of the JackbootVoiceover LetterIn the BackMotifsDowner EndingIt Always Rains at FuneralsBirth-Death JuxtapositionBattle Discretion ShotLeave the Camera RunningTorches and PitchforksSuspiciously Specific Denialand 5 more
TV Tropes lists 17 storytelling tropes for A City of Sadness, including Shell-Shocked Veteran, Day of the Jackboot, Voiceover Letter.