7.2
Where can I stream The River legally?
You can watch it free with ads on Plex. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The River fingerprint
Light on feelings.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension6
- Fast Pace4
- Adrenaline3
Heart
Melancholic and moving
- Melancholy8
- Pathos7
- Catharsis6
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Satire & Parody4
- Cringe Humor3
- Dark Humor3
World
Everyday modern life, society, and class and money
- World Immersion7
- Ambiguity7
- Dialogue Centrality6
Craft
Standout characters
- Character Depth8
- Direction7
- Acting7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing6
- Music Composition6
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The River 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.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Uncanny5Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
All heart traits
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics4Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia3Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age3Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Satire & Parody4Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, society, and class and money
Its world is built around everyday modern life, society, and class and money. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability4Invites repeat viewing.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Class & Capitalism8Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Showbiz7Entertainment industry and performance.
- Mystery5Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
Craft
MediumStandout characters
The characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative4Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
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.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightSolo WatchBackground WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-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
A young man develops severe neck pain after swimming in a polluted river for a movie shoot, but nobody can provide him any relief.
Social RealismEnvironmental PollutionExistential SufferingShowbizPsychological ImpactSlow-Burn DramaBleak OutlookChinese Cinema
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The River
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The River worth watching?
70
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 70/100 (IMDb 7.2). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How long is The River?
1 h 56 min
The River runs 1 h 56 min.
What language is The River in?
Chinese
It was made in Chinese. Produced in Taiwan.
In how many countries can I watch The River?
131
+117
+117GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The River in 131 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.