6.1
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The Assassin
1993·Movie
·1h 18min·
The Assassin fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, a touch of humor.
Energy
Brutally violent and tense
Fast from start to finish.
- Violence9
- Tension8
- Adrenaline7
Heart
Melancholic and moving
- Melancholy8
- Pathos7
- Catharsis7
Humor
Some dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor5
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Absurdist Humor2
World
War, history, and the mind
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout performances and characters
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
- Intrigue8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Sound Centrality7
Energy
HighBrutally violent and tense
Fast from start to finish.
The Assassin is brutally violent, tense, and thrilling.
All energy traits
- Violence9Physical conflict and intensity.
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline7High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Warfare8Battles, strategy, and conflict.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
MediumMelancholic and moving
Emotionally, it's melancholic, moving, and cathartic.
All heart traits
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance6Love stories and emotional connections.
- Nostalgia5Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics4Relationships and generational ties.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age3Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
LowSome dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some dark humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor5Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
World
MediumWar, history, and the mind
Its world is built around war, history, and the mind.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Warfare8Battles, strategy, and conflict.
- Historical7Period settings and real events.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Politics6Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Crime5Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Social Commentary5Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout performances and characters
The performances and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality5Songs central to storytelling.
Related traits
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightSolo WatchThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You need an uplifting moodGraphic violence bothers you
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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 poor farmer who loves a woman he is forbidden to associate with becomes a hardened mercenary, and is hired by a local warlord as a professional assassin. Years later, he runs into his old love and begins to question his violent past
WuxiaMercenaryHistorical DramaChinese CinemaTragic RomanceMoral ConflictMartial ArtsRevengeWar Epic
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
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Questions about The Assassin
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Assassin worth watching?
62
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 63/100 (IMDb 6.1 and Metacritic 100). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Assassin rated?
Violence
Content advisories: violence.
How long is The Assassin?
1 h 18 min
The Assassin runs 1 h 18 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Assassin?
Critics100
Audiences62
Not quite. Critics rate The Assassin higher (100) than audiences (62). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is The Assassin in?
cnChinese
It was made in cn, with some Chinese. Produced in Hong Kong SAR China.
What tropes does The Assassin use?
Action GirlBig Damn HeroesBuried AliveDeliberately MonochromeEvil MentorEvil SorcererThe Film of the BookKissing CousinsProtected by a ChildHitman with a HeartIn Love with the MarkWuxiaand 5 more
TV Tropes lists 17 storytelling tropes for The Assassin, including Action Girl, Big Damn Heroes, Buried Alive.