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When Heaven Burns
2011·Show
·30Episodes in1Season·
When Heaven Burns fingerprint
Immersive world, strong craft, a touch of humor.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Adrenaline3
- Fast Pace2
Heart
Profoundly sad and moving
Much of it is about family.
- Melancholy9
- Pathos8
- Romance7
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay5
- Dark Humor3
- Situational Comedy1
World
Everyday modern life, the mind, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- Dialogue Centrality9
- World Immersion8
- Novelty7
Craft
Standout performances, characters, and direction
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Acting9
- Character Depth9
- Direction8
Style
Standout score
- Music Composition8
- Music Centrality8
- Cinematography7
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
When Heaven Burns is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace2Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Spectacle1Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumProfoundly sad and moving
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's profoundly sad, moving, and romantic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Melancholy9Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Romance7Love stories and emotional connections.
- Family Dynamics7Relationships and generational ties.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia5Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age3Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowSome sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay5Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
HighEveryday modern life, the mind, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around everyday modern life, the mind, and society. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity6Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Mystery7Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Crime5Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Politics5Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
Craft
HighStandout performances, characters, and direction
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The performances, characters, and direction stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative7Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
Style
HighStandout score
Look and sound: the score stand out.
All style traits
- Music Composition8Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality8Songs central to storytelling.
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchBinge-FriendlyThought-Provoking
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About
When Yip Chi-Yan, Lau Chun-Hung, Sung Yee-Long, and Cheng Chun-Hin are brought together again by an accident, their lives change irreversibly. Chi-Yan is a radio host. She and the other three were members of the same band eighteen years ago. The memory of them playing music together comes back vividly to them, and so does the pain they have all tried so hard to bury. Eighteen years ago her boyfriend, Ka-Ming, was killed in a hiking accident. Time flies, but she can never forgive Chun-Hung, Yee-Long, and Chun-Hin for failing to save Ka-Ming. As they reconnect, the four good friends and the people around them are drawn into a vortex of love they have no control over.
Moral DramaPsychological ThrillerFriendship BetrayalUnresolved GuiltPast TraumaPhilosophical ExplorationSlow Burn MysteryCharacter DrivenContemporary Hong KongDark & Melancholic
Actors
Crew
Written by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
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Movies
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about When Heaven Burns
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is When Heaven Burns worth watching?
90
ExcellentGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 90/100. The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is When Heaven Burns rated?
Disturbing imageryStrong language
Content advisories: disturbing imagery and strong language.
How many seasons does When Heaven Burns have?
1 season
It has 1 season with 30 episodes.
When did When Heaven Burns air?
S1
It ran from 2011 to 2012 and has ended.
What language is When Heaven Burns in?
cn
It was made in cn. Produced in Hong Kong SAR China.