7.9
The Rules of the Game fingerprint
Funny, immersive world.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension6
- Spectacle5
- Fast Pace4
Heart
Melancholic and moving
- Melancholy8
- Pathos7
- Nostalgia7
Humor
Plenty of satire and sharp wit
- Satire & Parody9
- Wit & Wordplay7
- Absurdist Humor6
World
History, society, and class and money
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and dialogue
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Direction9
- Acting8
- Dialogue Quality8
Style
Standout cinematography, editing, and visual style
A distinctive visual signature.
- Cinematography9
- Editing8
- Visual Stylization8
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Rules of the Game 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.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumMelancholic and moving
Emotionally, it's melancholic, moving, and nostalgic.
All heart traits
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Nostalgia7Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Romance6Love stories and emotional connections.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics6Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
HighPlenty of satire and sharp wit
Expect plenty of satire and sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Satire & Parody9Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Wit & Wordplay7Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Absurdist Humor6Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy5Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Dark Humor5Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Physical Comedy4Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
Related traits
- Eccentricity6Oddball tone and quirks.
- Camp & Irony5Stylized exaggeration and wink.
World
HighHistory, 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 Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity6Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical10Period 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.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and dialogue
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The direction, performances, and dialogue stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Direction9Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative5Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Homage & Reference5Allusions to other works.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Style
HighStandout cinematography, editing, and visual style
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the cinematography, editing, and visual style stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography9Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization8Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality4The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Camp & Irony5Stylized exaggeration and wink.
Who it's for
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Questions about The Rules of the Game
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Rules of the Game worth watching?
Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 88/100 (IMDb 7.9, Rotten Tomatoes 97%, and Metacritic 99). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Rules of the Game rated?
It's rated NR in the United States. Content advisories: sexual content.
How long is The Rules of the Game?
1 h 50 min
The Rules of the Game runs 1 h 50 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Rules of the Game?
Not quite. Critics rate The Rules of the Game higher (98) than audiences (80). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
Was The Rules of the Game a box office hit?
No. It cost about $9 million to make and earned $273,520 worldwide, 3% of its budget.
What language is The Rules of the Game in?
It was made in French. Produced in France.
In how many countries can I watch The Rules of the Game?
+5GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Rules of the Game in 19 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Rules of the Game use?
TV Tropes lists 33 storytelling tropes for The Rules of the Game, including Like Brother and Sister, Hyperlink Story, Dramatic Irony.