7.7
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The Circus
2018·Movie
·3h 48min·
The Circus fingerprint
No humor.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Spectacle6
- Tension5
- Fast Pace5
Heart
Nostalgic and wondrous
- Nostalgia8
- Wonder7
- Wholesome6
Humor
Serious throughout
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Physical Comedy2
- Satire & Parody2
World
History, show business, and a real life story
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality5
- Rewatchability5
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Direction6
- Acting6
- Narrative Structure6
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition6
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
The Circus is calm and low-intensity.
All energy traits
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Tension5Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline4High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
MediumNostalgic and wondrous
Emotionally, it's nostalgic and wondrous.
All heart traits
- Nostalgia8Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder7Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Pathos5Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy4Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis4Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth6Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
NoneSerious throughout
Expect almost no humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
Related traits
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumHistory, show business, and a real life story
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history, show business, and a real life story. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality5Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability5Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Showbiz8Entertainment industry and performance.
- Biographical7Lives of notable figures.
Craft
MediumSolid, not remarkable
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable.
All craft traits
- Direction6Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting6Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth6Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Dialogue Quality5Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative2Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Educational7Informative and instructive.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality5Songs central to storytelling.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Dialogue Centrality5Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalKidsPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBinge-FriendlyComfort WatchPure EscapismThought-Provoking
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About
Big tent. Big Dreams.
Drawing upon a vast and richly visual archive and featuring a host of performers, historians and aficionados, this four-hour mini-series follows the rise and fall of the gigantic, traveling tented railroad circus and brings to life an era when Circus Day would shut down a town and its stars were among the most famous people in the country.
Circus HistoryTraveling CircusCircus PerformersArchive FootageVisual StorytellingNostalgicHistorical DocumentaryEntertainment HistoryCircus Day
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
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Questions about The Circus
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Circus worth watching?
84
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 85/100 (IMDb 7.7, Rotten Tomatoes 97%, and Metacritic 100). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How long is The Circus?
3 h 48 min
The Circus runs 3 h 48 min.
Is The Circus based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Circus?
Critics99
Audiences83
Not quite. Critics rate The Circus higher (99) than audiences (83). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is The Circus in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
What tropes does The Circus use?
Abusive ParentsCircus EpisodeBanana PeelEmergency ImpersonationCaptain Morgan PoseLook Behind YouExact EavesdroppingSchmuck BaitFaint in ShockHappy DanceHall of MirrorsTightrope Walkingand 31 more
TV Tropes lists 43 storytelling tropes for The Circus, including Abusive Parents, Circus Episode, Banana Peel.