7.0
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Sankofa is included with a subscription to Netflix in the United States. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Sankofa
1993·Movie
Sankofa fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, a touch of humor.
Energy
Violent and tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Violence8
- Tension7
- Fast Pace5
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
- Pathos9
- Melancholy8
- Catharsis7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor4
- Satire & Parody3
- Wit & Wordplay2
World
History, society, and class and money
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and characters
- Direction8
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
HighViolent and tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Sankofa is violent and tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Violence8Physical conflict and intensity.
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline4High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Warfare5Battles, strategy, and conflict.
Heart
MediumDeeply moving and melancholic
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, melancholic, and cathartic.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia6Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics6Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder5Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Coming of Age3Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Spiritual6Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Satire & Parody3Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumHistory, society, and class and money
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history, society, and class and money. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Class & Capitalism8Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Politics7Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Spiritual6Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and characters
The direction, performances, and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative6Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative2Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Educational9Informative and instructive.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
HighFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightSolo WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-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
On a photo shoot in Ghana, an American model slips back in time, becomes enslaved on a plantation and bears witness to the agony of her ancestral past.
Slavery DramaTime TravelAfrican HistoryCultural IdentityEmotional ImpactSocial CommentaryHistorical TraumaPersonal TransformationRedemption Arc
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Sankofa
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Sankofa worth watching?
80
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 81/100 (IMDb 7, Rotten Tomatoes 93%, and Metacritic 93). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Sankofa rated?
ViolenceNudityDisturbing imagery
Content advisories: violence, nudity, and disturbing imagery.
How long is Sankofa?
2 h 4 min
Sankofa runs 2 h 4 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Sankofa?
Critics93
Audiences72
Not quite. Critics rate Sankofa higher (93) than audiences (72). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
Was Sankofa a box office hit?
Budget$1 million
Box office$3 million
Yes. It cost about $1 million to make and earned $3 million worldwide, 2.7 times its budget.
What language is Sankofa in?
EnglishAkan
It was made in English, with some Akan. Produced in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Germany, Ghana, United Kingdom, United States.
In how many countries can I watch Sankofa?
7
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Sankofa in 7 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.