7.8
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Masada
1981·Show
Masada fingerprint
Relentless energy, strong craft, no humor.
Energy
Nerve-racking and epic
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension9
- Spectacle9
- Violence8
Heart
Moving and melancholic
- Pathos8
- Melancholy7
- Catharsis6
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Situational Comedy0
- Physical Comedy0
World
History, war, and politics
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion9
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and storytelling
- Direction8
- Acting8
- Narrative Structure8
Style
Standout cinematography
- Cinematography8
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
Very highNerve-racking and epic
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Masada is nerve-racking, epic, and violent. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension9Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle9Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence8Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline7High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Warfare10Battles, strategy, and conflict.
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
LowMoving and melancholic
Emotionally, it's moving and melancholic.
All heart traits
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics4Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia1Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wholesome0Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Spiritual8Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever 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
MediumHistory, war, and politics
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history, war, and politics. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical10Period settings and real events.
- Warfare10Battles, strategy, and conflict.
- Politics9Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Biographical9Lives of notable figures.
- Spiritual8Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and storytelling
The direction, performances, and storytelling stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Educational6Informative and instructive.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
HighStandout cinematography
Look and sound: the cinematography stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization4Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Spectacle9Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchSolo WatchTeensBinge-FriendlyThought-Provoking
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You need an uplifting moodYou want fast pacingGraphic violence bothers you
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Episode ratings
| Season | Episode 1 | Episode 2 | Episode 3 | Episode 4 |
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About
Masada is a 1981 American historical drama television miniseries aired on ABC under the tentpole ABC Novel for Television. The screenplay by Joel Oliansky is based on Ernest Gann's 1971 novel The Antagonists. A dramatization of the historical siege of the Masada citadel in Roman Palestine by legions of the Roman Empire in AD 73. A siege that ended when the Roman armies entered the fortress, only to discover the mass suicide by the Jewish defenders when defeat became imminent.
Historical EpicAncient WarfareSiege DramaRoman EmpireJewish HistoryHeroic StandPolitical IntrigueSurvival StoryGrand Scale
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 Masada
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Masada worth watching?
74
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 74/100 (IMDb 7.8). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Masada rated?
ViolenceDisturbing imagery
Content advisories: violence and disturbing imagery.
How many seasons does Masada have?
1 season
It has 1 season with 4 episodes of about 120 minutes each.
Is Masada based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
When did Masada air?
S1
It ran from 1981 to 1981 and has ended.
What language is Masada in?
EnglishFrench
It was made in English, with some French. Produced in United States.
What tropes does Masada use?
Underestimating BadasseryObstructive BureaucratScare ChordStaff of AuthorityBetter to Die than Be KilledOfficer and a GentlemanCompilation MovieNo Plans, No Prototype, No BackupA Father to His MenThe Queen's LatinHope SpotIncendiary Exponentand 60 more
TV Tropes lists 72 storytelling tropes for Masada, including Underestimating Badassery, Obstructive Bureaucrat, Scare Chord.