6.7
Where can I stream The Pelican Brief legally?
You can watch it free with ads on YouTube Free. You can also rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The Pelican Brief fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, no humor.
Energy
Nerve-racking and fast-paced
Fast from start to finish.
- Tension9
- Fast Pace8
- Adrenaline7
Heart
Emotionally reserved
- Catharsis6
- Romance4
- Pathos4
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay5
- Situational Comedy0
- Physical Comedy0
World
Crime, mystery, and politics
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and storytelling
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Intrigue10
- Direction8
- Acting8
Style
Standout cinematography and editing
- Cinematography8
- Editing8
- Music Composition7
Energy
HighNerve-racking and fast-paced
Fast from start to finish.
The Pelican Brief is nerve-racking, fast-paced, and thrilling.
All energy traits
- Tension9Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace8Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline7High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence6Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
LowEmotionally reserved
It keeps its emotions at a distance.
All heart traits
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Pathos4Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Melancholy3Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Nostalgia3Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
NoneSome sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay5Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor0Humor from taboo or grim topics.
World
MediumCrime, mystery, and politics
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around crime, mystery, and politics. 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.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Crime9Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Mystery9Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Politics9Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Psychological6Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and storytelling
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The direction, performances, and storytelling stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Intrigue10Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Fast Pace8Quick tempo and momentum.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
HighStandout cinematography and editing
Look and sound: the cinematography and editing stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchTeensBinge-FriendlyPure EscapismThought-Provoking
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About
Two Supreme Court Justices have been assassinated. One lone law student has stumbled upon the truth. An investigative journalist wants her story. Everybody else wants her dead.
A law student's theory about the recent deaths of two Supreme Court justices embroils her in a far-reaching web of murder, corruption, and greed.
High-Stakes Legal ThrillerPolitical ConspiracyFast-Paced SuspenseIntricate Mystery PlotCorruption & GreedEdge-of-Your-Seat TensionResourceful ProtagonistIntriguing CharactersWhirlwind of Danger
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Pelican Brief
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Pelican Brief worth watching?
59
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 59/100 (IMDb 6.7, Rotten Tomatoes 56%, and Metacritic 51). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Pelican Brief rated?
PG-13Violence
It's rated PG-13 in the United States. Content advisories: violence.
How long is The Pelican Brief?
2 h 21 min
The Pelican Brief runs 2 h 21 min.
Is The Pelican Brief based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Pelican Brief?
Critics54
Audiences65
Not quite. Audiences rate The Pelican Brief higher (65) than critics (54). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
Was The Pelican Brief a box office hit?
Budget$45 million
Box office$195 million
Yes. It cost about $45 million to make and earned $195 million worldwide, 4.3 times its budget.
What language is The Pelican Brief in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch The Pelican Brief?
71
+57
+57GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Pelican Brief in 71 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Pelican Brief use?
Teacher/Student RomanceHello, Attorney!Relationship UpgradeFollow That CarLikes Older MenRace LiftDisposable WomanHoist by His Own PetardCover Identity AnomalyAmoral AttorneyRevealing Cover-UpThe Ghostand 19 more
TV Tropes lists 31 storytelling tropes for The Pelican Brief, including Teacher/Student Romance, Hello, Attorney!, Relationship Upgrade.