7.2
Where can I stream The Ceremony legally?
You can rent or buy it from Amazon Video. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The Ceremony
1971·Movie
The Ceremony fingerprint
Big heart, immersive world.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Violence6
- Spectacle5
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
- Family Dynamics10
- Pathos9
- Melancholy8
Humor
Some satire
Not a comedy at heart.
- Satire & Parody6
- Dark Humor4
- Wit & Wordplay3
World
Family, history, and politics
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout characters, direction, and performances
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Character Depth9
- Complexity9
- Direction8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Ceremony is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence6Physical conflict and intensity.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline4High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Warfare7Battles, strategy, and conflict.
Heart
HighDeeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, melancholic, and cathartic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics10Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia7Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Coming of Age4Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Spiritual6Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
All humor traits
- Satire & Parody6Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
World
HighFamily, history, and politics
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around family, history, and politics. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Politics9Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Class & Capitalism8Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Warfare7Battles, strategy, and conflict.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
HighStandout characters, direction, and performances
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The characters, direction, and performances stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Complexity9Layered plots and ideas.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative6Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative2Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Educational7Informative and instructive.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
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 Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
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
Oshima’s magisterial epic, centering on the ambivalent surviving heir of the Sakurada clan, uses ritual and the microcosm of the traditional family to trace the rise and fall of militaristic Japan across several decades.
Japanese HistoryFamily SagaPolitical IntrigueRitualisticSocial CommentaryPsychological DramaMelancholyComplex Narrative
Actors
Crew
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Written by:
Produced by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Ceremony
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Ceremony worth watching?
69
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 70/100 (IMDb 7.2). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Ceremony rated?
Violence
Content advisories: violence.
How long is The Ceremony?
2 h 3 min
The Ceremony runs 2 h 3 min.
What language is The Ceremony in?
Japanese
It was made in Japanese. Produced in Japan.
In how many countries can I watch The Ceremony?
5
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Ceremony in 5 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.