7.4
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El principio
1973·Movie
·2h 15min·
El principio fingerprint
Strong craft, a touch of humor.
Energy
Violent
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Violence7
- Tension6
- Spectacle5
Heart
Nostalgic and moving
- Nostalgia8
- Pathos7
- Melancholy6
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Satire & Parody3
- Dark Humor3
- Wit & Wordplay2
World
History, class and money, and politics
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Direction7
- Acting7
- Narrative Structure7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing6
- Music Composition6
Energy
MediumViolent
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
El principio is violent. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Violence7Physical conflict and intensity.
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline4High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Warfare5Battles, strategy, and conflict.
All heart traits
- Nostalgia8Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Coming of Age5Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Family Dynamics5Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Satire & Parody3Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumHistory, class and money, and politics
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history, class and money, and politics. 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.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Class & Capitalism8Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Politics7Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Psychological6Inner worlds and mind games.
- Warfare5Battles, strategy, and conflict.
Craft
HighSolid, not remarkable
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable.
All craft traits
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative6Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Educational5Informative and instructive.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality5Songs central to storytelling.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
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About
Mexico is in the midst of Revolution when the protagonist returns after studying in Paris to find his native town in Chihuahua occupied by Francisco Villa’s revolutionary forces. He visits his deserted home and remembers people and events from his adolescence that provide glimpses of pre-Revolutionary society under dictatorship: his uncle, the chief of police; his sister’s involvement with a liberal political association; bathing with the girls from a local brothel; a labor strike that ended in a massacre. Returning to the present he discovers that his father has been assassinated and, in the company of his father’s former servant, joins the revolutionary movement.
Mexican RevolutionPolitical IntrigueHistorical DramaSocial CommentaryClass ConflictComing-of-AgeSlow Burn1970s Cinema
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about El principio
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is El principio worth watching?
60
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 61/100 (IMDb 7.4). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is El principio rated?
Violence
Content advisories: violence.
How long is El principio?
2 h 15 min
El principio runs 2 h 15 min.
What language is El principio in?
Spanish
It was made in Spanish. Produced in Mexico.