Mandabi fingerprint
Low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Fast Pace4
- Tension3
- Spectacle3
Heart
Moving
Much of it is about family.
- Family Dynamics9
- Pathos7
- Melancholy6
Humor
Some satire and situational comedy
Not a comedy at heart.
- Satire & Parody7
- Situational Comedy6
- Wit & Wordplay4
World
Everyday modern life, family, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability5
Craft
Standout performances and characters
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
- Direction7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Music Composition7
- Editing6
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Mandabi is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Tension3Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumMoving
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's moving. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Wholesome5Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia5Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age4Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
MediumSome satire and situational comedy
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some satire and situational comedy.
All humor traits
- Satire & Parody7Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy6Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Absurdist Humor4Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Physical Comedy3Slapstick and visual gags.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
Related traits
- Wholesome5Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, family, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around everyday modern life, family, and society. 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.
- Rewatchability5Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Class & Capitalism9Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Politics8Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Psychological5Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
MediumStandout performances and characters
The performances and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Intrigue5Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Educational7Informative and instructive.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
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Questions about Mandabi
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Mandabi worth watching?
Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 71/100 (IMDb 7.3, Rotten Tomatoes 100%, and Metacritic 73). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How long is Mandabi?
1 h 32 min
Mandabi runs 1 h 32 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Mandabi?
Not quite. Critics rate Mandabi higher (87) than audiences (74). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is Mandabi in?
It was made in Wolof, with some French. Produced in Senegal, France.
In how many countries can I watch Mandabi?
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Mandabi in 32 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

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