7.4
Where can I stream Sonatine legally?
You can rent or buy it from Apple TV Store. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Sonatine
1993·Movie
·1h 34min·R·
Sonatine fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Tense and violent
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Violence7
- Adrenaline6
Heart
Melancholic
- Melancholy7
- Pathos6
- Catharsis5
Humor
Some dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor5
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Physical Comedy2
World
Crime, everyday modern life, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality6
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and characters
- Direction8
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
HighTense and violent
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Sonatine is tense and violent. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence7Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline6High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
LowMelancholic
Emotionally, it's melancholic.
All heart traits
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age2Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Romance1Love stories and emotional connections.
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 & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
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 Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity6Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Crime9Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Contemporary Realism7Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Class & Capitalism5Wealth, power, and inequality.
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.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative4Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
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 Centrality6Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightSolo WatchThought-Provoking
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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 ferocious man sleeps here.
Murakawa, an aging Tokyo yakuza tiring of gangster life, is sent by his boss to Okinawa along with a few of his henchmen to help end a gang war, supposedly as mediators between two warring clans. He finds that the dispute between the clans is insignificant and whilst wondering why he was sent to Okinawa at all, his group is attacked in an ambush. The survivors flee and make a decision to lay low at the beach while they await further instructions.
Yakuza FilmGangster DramaExistential CrisisViolent UnderworldMelancholic ToneJapanese CinemaCharacter StudyBrooding AtmosphereMoral Ambiguity
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
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Questions about Sonatine
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Sonatine worth watching?
79
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 79/100 (IMDb 7.4, Rotten Tomatoes 93%, and Metacritic 73). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Sonatine rated?
RViolenceStrong language
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence and strong language.
How long is Sonatine?
1 h 34 min
Sonatine runs 1 h 34 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Sonatine?
Critics83
Audiences75
Not quite. Critics rate Sonatine higher (83) than audiences (75). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is Sonatine in?
Japanese
It was made in Japanese. Produced in Japan.
In how many countries can I watch Sonatine?
10
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Sonatine in 10 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Sonatine use?
Chekhov's GunForeshadowingDowner EndingThe StingerRussian RouletteFast-Forward GagBlack ComedyMind ScrewThe StoicFanservice
TV Tropes lists 10 storytelling tropes for Sonatine, including Chekhov's Gun, Foreshadowing, Downer Ending.