5.8
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The Children
1990·Movie
The Children fingerprint
No humor.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension6
- Fast Pace4
- Adrenaline3
Heart
Nostalgic
Much of it is about family.
- Nostalgia8
- Family Dynamics7
- Romance6
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Situational Comedy2
- Physical Comedy1
World
History and family
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Ambiguity5
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Acting7
- Character Depth7
- Direction6
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography6
- Editing6
- Music Composition6
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Children 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.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumNostalgic
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's nostalgic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Nostalgia8Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics7Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance6Love stories and emotional connections.
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor1Humor from taboo or grim topics.
World
MediumHistory and family
Its world is built around history and family.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Rewatchability4Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty4Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Psychological6Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
- Mystery5Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Class & Capitalism5Wealth, power, and inequality.
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.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
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 Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization4Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
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About
The love of a woman brought him back home. The love of the children brough him back to life.
After years working in Brazil, middle-aged engineer Martin Boyner returns to Switzerland to marry his longtime friend, the recently widowed Rose Sellars. En route, he encounters an old acquaintance and soon finds himself entranced by and then caring for her seven emotionally abandoned children. The oldest girl, Judith, quickly beguiles Martin with her unsettling blend of innocence and maturity. And suddenly Martin's orderly blueprint for the future is thrown into disarray as Judith's youth and spirit transform his routine life into a dangerously passionate new equation.
Family DramaRelationship ConflictIntergenerational ConflictSmall TownRural Setting1990sRomanceSlow BurnCharacter-Driven
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 Children
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Children worth watching?
53
MediocreGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 54/100 (IMDb 5.8). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How long is The Children?
1 h 28 min
The Children runs 1 h 28 min.
Is The Children based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
What language is The Children in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom.
What tropes does The Children use?
Gross-Up Close-UpWicked StepfatherCreepy ChildDaddy's GirlForeshadowingAbusive ParentsDeath of a ChildChekhov's GunWouldn't Hurt a ChildIdiot BallBilingual BonusExtremely Protective Childand 25 more
TV Tropes lists 37 storytelling tropes for The Children, including Gross-Up Close-Up, Wicked Stepfather, Creepy Child.