7.3
The Yellow Sea fingerprint
Relentless energy, strong craft, emotionally cool.
Energy
Pulse-pounding and nerve-racking
Fast from start to finish.
- Adrenaline9
- Tension9
- Violence9
Heart
Melancholic and moving
- Melancholy8
- Pathos7
- Family Dynamics5
Humor
Serious throughout
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Dark Humor2
- Physical Comedy1
World
Crime, everyday modern life, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion9
- Novelty7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and storytelling
- Direction9
- Acting9
- Intrigue9
Style
Standout cinematography, editing, and sound design
- Cinematography9
- Editing8
- Sound Centrality8
Energy
Very highPulse-pounding and nerve-racking
Fast from start to finish.
The Yellow Sea is pulse-pounding, nerve-racking, and brutally violent.
All energy traits
- Adrenaline9High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Tension9Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence9Physical conflict and intensity.
- Fast Pace8Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle8Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness10Grim, stark outlooks.
- Grotesque6Macabre, distorted imagery.
All heart traits
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Family Dynamics5Relationships and generational ties.
- Catharsis2Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance1Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome0Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness0Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia0Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Bleakness10Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
NoneSerious throughout
Expect almost no humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumCrime, everyday modern life, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around crime, everyday modern life, and the mind. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Dialogue Centrality5Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Crime10Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Class & Capitalism7Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Mystery6Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and storytelling
The direction, performances, and storytelling stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction9Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Fast Pace8Quick tempo and momentum.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
HighStandout cinematography, editing, and sound design
Look and sound: the cinematography, editing, and sound design stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography9Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Sound Centrality8Sound design as core element.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Spectacle8Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Grotesque6Macabre, distorted imagery.
- Dialogue Centrality5Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
Skip it if
Find more like it
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
The only thing he must not have crossed.
Actors
Crew
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
Media
Questions about The Yellow Sea
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Yellow Sea worth watching?
Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 77/100 (IMDb 7.3, Rotten Tomatoes 88%, and Metacritic 70). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Yellow Sea rated?
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence, strong language, and disturbing imagery.
How long is The Yellow Sea?
2 h 36 min
The Yellow Sea runs 2 h 36 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Yellow Sea?
Yes. Critics average 79 and audiences 76 out of 100, so both groups see The Yellow Sea much the same way.
Was The Yellow Sea a box office hit?
Roughly broke even. It cost about $8 million to make and earned $16 million worldwide, 1.9 times its budget.
What language is The Yellow Sea in?
It was made in Korean, with some Chinese. Produced in South Korea.
In how many countries can I watch The Yellow Sea?
+7GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Yellow Sea in 21 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.