Best movies like Silence
Last updated March 2024
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Plot Summary:
Two Jesuit priests encounter persecution when they travel to Japan in the 17th century to spread Christianity and search for their mentor.
IMDB Rating: 7.2
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama, History
Country: Japan
Duration: 129 min
Plot tags: spiritual, existential, atmospheric, bleak, serious, captivating, realistic, contemplative, stylized
Best tv shows and movies like Silence (1971):
Similar in 87%
Why Not? (1981)
Plot Summary:
The film depicts carnivalesque atmosphere summed up by the cry "Ee ja nai ka" ("Why not?") in Japan in 1867 and 1868 in the days leading to the Meiji Restoration. It examines the effects of the political and social upheaval of the time, and culminates in a revelrous march on the Kokyo, which turns into a massacre. Characteristically, Imamura focuses not on the leaders of the country, but on characters in the lower classes and on the fringes of society.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 681
Genere: Drama
Country: Japan
Duration: 151 min
Plot tags: clever, serious, realistic, witty, cynical, bilingual
Similar in 80%
The Last Supper (1976)
Plot Summary:
A pious plantation owner attempts to teach Christianity to 12 of his slaves by inviting them to participate in a reenactment of the Last Supper.
IMDB Rating: 7.5
IMDB Votes: 680
Genere: Drama, History
Country: Cuba
Duration: 120 min
Plot tags: mind bending, psychedelic, surreal, thought provoking, clever, serious, realistic, witty, disturbing, cynical
Similar in 85%
Sword of Desperation (2010)
Plot Summary:
A talented but troubled Edo Period swordsman, Kanemi Sanzawmon. Three years earlier, Kanemi killed a woman, Renko, the corrupt mistress of the powerful daimyo Tabu Ukyou. Unexpectedly, Kanemi received a lenient sentence for his crime and is allowed to return to his clan after only one year of imprisonment. Following his return, Kanemi is faced with the death of his wife, Mutsue. Thereafter, Kanemi lives with and cares for his wife's niece, Satoo, who has secret affections for Kanemi and expresses them by helping change his bleak outlook on life. Meanwhile, Kanemi's develops his unique "bird-catching" sword technique which he will soon put to test in battle for the first time against the fearsome swordsman, Hayatonosho Obiya.
IMDB Rating: 7.2
IMDB Votes: 836
Genere: Action, History
Country: Japan
Duration: 114 min
Plot tags: captivating, atmospheric, suspenseful, tense, exciting, rough, bleak, serious, realistic, stylized
Similar in 90%
Shogun (1980)
Plot Summary:
In the 16th Century, a Dutch ship sails the Pacific from the Americas in order to escape the Spanish. Blackthorn is the pilot of the ship and the first to realize the possibilities of Japan. Japan is a feudal society which has a strong presence of the Portugese. A struggle is in the final stages for who will be the Shogun, the leader who, under the emperor, governs the land. Toranaga sees in Blackthorn things he can use to at least survive the struggle to come, and if both play their hands correctly, become Shogun.
IMDB Rating: 7.8
IMDB Votes: 5000
Genere: Adventure, Drama, History, Romance, War
Country: USA, Japan
Duration: 159 min
Plot tags: captivating, realistic, exciting, serious, saga
Similar in 81%
The Book of Esther (2013)
Plot Summary:
When Ester becomes King Xerxes’ queen, her Cousin Mordecai and that despicable Haman engage in a dangerous game of intrigue for control of the young Persian King Xerxes.
IMDB Rating: 4.1
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama, History
Country: USA
Duration: 90 min
Plot tags: biblical, epic, tense, captivating, psychological, realistic, christian film, spiritual, semi serious, bleak
Similar in 82%
Hunter in the Dark (1979)
Plot Summary:
Yataro Tanigawa, a one-eyed hired assassin, impresses yakuza boss Gomyo Kiyoemon with his skill. Gomyo hires Tanigawa as his bodyguard, or yojimbo, to protect him during an inter-clan conflict. Tanigawa quickly rises in stature in the clan, but finds his boss's enemies almost overwhelming.
IMDB Rating: 7.0
IMDB Votes: 559
Genere: Action, Adventure, Drama
Country: Japan
Duration: 137 min
Plot tags: exciting, rough, bleak, serious, captivating, realistic, suspenseful, stylized, jidai geki
Similar in 79%
Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai (2011)
Plot Summary:
An tale of revenge, honor and disgrace, centering on a poverty-stricken samurai who discovers the fate of his ronin son-in-law, setting in motion a tense showdown of vengeance against the house of a feudal lord.
IMDB Rating: 7.3
IMDB Votes: 9000
Genere: Drama
Country: Japan, UK
Duration: 128 min
Plot tags: tense, bleak, serious, emotional, realistic, erotic, intense, jidai geki, atmospheric, contemplative
Similar in 84%
The Blind Sunflowers (2008)
Plot Summary:
Ourense, Spain, 1940. Every time that Elena locks the door, she locks her secrets. Her husband Ricardo spend years hidden in his house with his children (Elenita and Lorenzo), trying to dodge persecution. Salvador, a priest confused after battling in the front, returns to seminary in Ourense.
IMDB Rating: 6.4
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama, History
Country: Spain
Duration: 98 min
Plot tags: touching, serious, emotional, disturbing, sincere, bleak, captivating, realistic, contemplative
Similar in 75%
Our Homeland (2012)
Plot Summary:
From the late 1950s through the '70s, more than 90,000 of the ethnic Koreans in Japan emigrated to North Korea, a country that promised them affluence, justice, and an end to discrimination. KAZOKU NO KUNI tells the story of one of their number, who returns for just a short period. For the first time in 25 years, Sonho is reunited with his family in Tokyo after being allowed to undergo an operation there. Sonho’s younger sister Rie is at the centre of the film, and is not hard to recognise as the director’s alter-ego. In her documentaries DEAR PYONGYANG and SONA, THE OTHER MYSELF, Yang Yonghi told the story of her own life, and how, at age six, she experienced the departure of her three older brothers, who left their family for Pyongyang.
IMDB Rating: 7.2
IMDB Votes: 285
Genere: Drama
Country: Japan
Duration: 100 min
Plot tags: sincere, touching, serious, realistic, contemplative, gloomy
Similar in 85%
When the Last Sword is Drawn (2002)
Plot Summary:
Kanichiro Yoshimura is a Samurai and Family man who can no longer support his wife and children on the the low pay he receives from his small town clan, he is forced by the love for his family to leave for the city in search of higher pay to support them.
IMDB Rating: 7.4
IMDB Votes: 5000
Genere: Drama, History
Country: Japan
Duration: 143 min
Plot tags: atmospheric, bleak, captivating, realistic, serious, spiritual, jidai geki, stylized, gloomy
Similar in 85%
The Hidden Blade (2004)
Plot Summary:
Set in 19th Century Japan a young samurai who finds himself in love with a farm girl leaves his home to begin a new life. He has to take stock of his new life when he is put to the test and ordered to kill a traitor who just happens to be his dearest friend.
IMDB Rating: 7.7
IMDB Votes: 7000
Genere: Drama, History, Romance
Country: Japan
Duration: 132 min
Plot tags: sentimental, serious, stylized, romantic, epic, jidai geki, realistic, gloomy, period drama
Similar in 75%
The Second Chance (2006)
Plot Summary:
Ethan Jenkins (Michael W. Smith) and Jake Sanders (introducing Jeff Obafemi Carr) are both passionate pastors who worship the same God from the same book--but that's where the similarity ends. When they are suddenly thrown together in a tough neighborhood and forced to work side by side, Ethan discovers there is no boundary between the streets and the sanctuary.Written by Tracey Zemitis.
IMDB Rating: 6.4
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 102 min
Plot tags: christian film, serious, realistic, captivating, tense, suspenseful, inspirational, feel good
Similar in 84%
Religion (2007)
Plot Summary:
The story is based in Banaras and is about a Hindu Priest Chaturvedi (Pankaj Kapoor) who follows the scriptures to practice Hindu religion. When a child is abandon by a woman and brought in his house by his daughter - after initial hesitation but due to requests from his wife (Supriya Pathak) - the family adapts the child; only to know after 4 years that the child is a Muslim. The family gives away the child and Chaturvedi engulfs himself in the purification process to cleanse his body, mind and soul due to contact with a Muslim soul. By the time, Chaturvedi thinks he is fully purified – the child reappears – seeking refuge, due to Hindu- Muslim riots. This is the time Chaturvedi finally realizes that the true religion is - religion where humans help humans – humanity.
IMDB Rating: 8.0
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama, History
Country: India
Duration: 105 min
Plot tags: realistic, atmospheric, psychological, captivating, christian film, spiritual, art film, thinking, touching, serious
Similar in 80%
Tsar (2009)
Plot Summary:
In 16th-century Russia in the grip of chaos, Ivan the Terrible strongly believes he is vested with a holy mission. Believing he can understand and interpret the signs, he sees the Last Judgment approaching. He establishes absolute power, cruelly destroying anyone who gets in his way. During this reign of terror, Philip, the superior of the monastery on the Solovetsky Islands, a great scholar and Ivan's close friend, dares to oppose the sovereign's mystical tyranny. What follows is a clash between two completely opposite visions of the world, smashing morality and justice, God and men. A grand-scale film with excellent leading roles by Mamonov and Yankovsky. An allegory of Stalinist Russia.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Drama, History
Country: Russia
Duration: 116 min
Plot tags: atmospheric, epic, serious, realistic, contemplative, stylized, gloomy, bleak
Similar in 76%
The Book of Daniel (2013)
Plot Summary:
Taken into slavery after the fall of Jerusalem in 605 B.C., Daniel is forced to serve the most powerful king in the world, King Nebuchadnezzar. Faced with imminent death, Daniel proves himself a trusted Advisor and is placed among the king's wise men. Threatened by death at every turn Daniel never ceases to serve the king until he is forced to choose between serving the king or honoring God. With his life at stake, Daniel has nothing but his faith to stand between him and the lions den.
IMDB Rating: 6.1
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama, History
Country: USA
Duration: 90 min
Plot tags: biblical, inspirational, captivating, serious, suspense, christian film, uplifting, spiritual, realistic
Similar in 84%
Apostle Peter and the Last Supper (2012)
Plot Summary:
The film portrays Saint Peter reflecting on his time with Jesus and his fellow Apostles during his final imprisonment in Rome. In particular, Peter attempts to convert one of his jailers, Martinian, by relating the life, teachings, and sacrifice of Jesus.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama, History
Country: USA
Duration: 88 min
Plot tags: uplifting, serious, captivating, biblical, epic, realistic, christian film
Similar in 83%
Love and Honor (2006)
Plot Summary:
A look at the relationship between a young blind samurai (Kimura) and his wife, who will make a sacrifice in order to defend her husband's honor.
IMDB Rating: 7.7
IMDB Votes: 4000
Genere: Drama, History, Romance
Country: Japan
Duration: 122 min
Plot tags: psychological, serious, romantic, poignant, jidai geki, social, epic, period drama
Similar in 79%
Rikyu (1989)
Plot Summary:
Late in the 1500s, an aging tea master teaches the way of tea to a headstrong Shogun. Through force of will and courageous fighting, Hideyoshi becomes Japan's most powerful warlord, unifying the country. Rikyu, through the tea ceremony and floral arrangements, tempers his lord, helping Hideyoshi focus on a single flower or be in a simple room where the shape of a cup is of most importance. But other forces fuel Hideyoshi's ambitions: the Portuguese bring a globe and guns, and he believes he can conquer Korea and China. When Rikyu raises doubts about invading China, Hideyoshi demands an apology, and Rikyu himself must find courage in the way of tea.
IMDB Rating: 7.1
IMDB Votes: 813
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: Japan
Duration: 135 min
Plot tags: serious, captivating, realistic, contemplative, stylized, jidai geki
Similar in 87%
John Hus (1977)
Plot Summary:
A faithful recounting of the ministry, trial and martyrdom of the fifteenth century Bohemian priest John Hus, who built on the reforms of John Wycliffe, taught the Bible in the vernacular and who influenced Martin Luther a century later.
IMDB Rating: 6.9
IMDB Votes: 88
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: USA
Duration: 55 min
Plot tags: thought provoking, serious, realistic, contemplative, christian film, independent film
Similar in 75%
Of Gods and Men (2010)
Plot Summary:
French drama based on the 1996 kidnapping and killing of seven monks in Algeria. A group of Trappist monks reside in the monastery of Tibhirine in Algeria, where they live in harmony with the largely muslim population. When a bloody conflict between Algeria's army and Muslim Jihadi insurgents disrupts the peace, they are forced to consider fleeing the monastery and deserting the villagers they have ministered to. In the face of deadly violence the monks wrestle with their faith and their convictions, eventually deciding to stay and help their neighbours keep the army and the insurgents at bay.
IMDB Rating: 7.2
IMDB Votes: 16000
Genere: Drama, History
Country: France
Duration: 122 min
Plot tags: sincere, christian film, unusual plot structure, meditative, atmospheric, visually appealing, captivating, thought provoking, spiritual, existential
Similar in 76%
Pope Joan (1972)
Plot Summary:
Based on the medieval legend of Pope Joan, who was made Pope for a brief period around 855 A.D. The movie presents her existence as fact, though it is questionable that Pope Joan really did exist, and portrays her relationships with other notables of the time.
IMDB Rating: 5.5
IMDB Votes: 391
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: UK
Duration: 132 min
Plot tags: atmospheric, serious, captivating, realistic, contemplative, period drama, cult film
Similar in 89%
Masquerade (2012)
Plot Summary:
During the confusing and conspiratorial Joseon Dynasty King Gwang-hae orders his councilor, HEO Kyun, to find him a double in order to avoid the constant threat of assassination. HEO Kyun finds Ha-sun, a jester who looks remarkably like the king, and just as feared, Gwang-hae is poisoned. HEO Kyun proposes Ha-sun fill the role as the king until Gwang-hae recovers fully and grooms Ha-sun to look and act every bit the king. While assuming the role of the king at his first official appearance, Ha-sun begins to ponder the intricacies of the problems debated in his court. Being fundamentally more humanitarian than Gwang-hae, Ha-sun’s affection and appreciation of even the most minor servants slowly changes morale in the castle for the better. However, his chief opposition, PARK, notices the sudden shift in the king’s behavior and starts to ask questions.
IMDB Rating: 7.8
IMDB Votes: 7000
Genere: Drama, History
Country: South Korea
Duration: 131 min
Plot tags: suspenseful, captivating, realistic, stylized, inspirational, serious, period drama, mad
Similar in 89%
Peter and Paul (1981)
Plot Summary:
Peter and Paul assume leadership of the Church as they struggle against violent opposition to the teachings of Christ and their own personal conflicts.
IMDB Rating: 7.6
IMDB Votes: 654
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: USA
Duration: 198 min
Plot tags: biblical, christian film, atmospheric, epic, serious, captivating, realistic, contemplative, spiritual, sexy
Similar in 90%
The Radicals (1989)
Plot Summary:
The story of the Anabaptist movement and two of its first leaders, Michael and Margaretha Sattler.
IMDB Rating: 6.7
IMDB Votes: 104
Genere: Drama, History
Country: USA
Duration: 100 min
Plot tags: biblical, independent film, bleak, serious, captivating, emotional, realistic, contemplative
Similar in 88%
The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965)
Plot Summary:
All-star epic retelling of Christ's life.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 11000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: USA
Duration: 260 min
Plot tags: biblical, epic, christian film, atmospheric, serious, captivating, breathtaking, period piece, stylized, fairy tale
Similar in 76%
The Mill and the Cross (2011)
Plot Summary:
What would it be like to step inside a great work of art, have it come alive around you, and even observe the artist as he sketches the very reality you are experiencing? From Lech Majewski, one of Poland's most acclaimed filmmakers, The Mill and the Cross is a cinematic re-staging of Pieter Bruegel's masterpiece "Procession to Calvary," presented alongside the story of its creation.
IMDB Rating: 6.9
IMDB Votes: 4000
Genere: Drama, History
Country: Poland, Sweden
Duration: 92 min
Plot tags: atmospheric, bleak, serious, realistic, surreal, christian film, philosophical, spiritual, cerebral, offbeat
Similar in 84%
The Kautokeino Rebellion (2008)
Plot Summary:
Religious and cultural reawakening inspires rebellion in a 19th century Norwegian village.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Drama, History
Country: Denmark, Norway, Sweden
Duration: 96 min
Plot tags: epic, serious, captivating, realistic, esoteric, bleak
Similar in 87%
Son of God (2014)
Plot Summary:
The life story of Jesus is told from his humble birth through his teachings, crucifixion and ultimate resurrection.
IMDB Rating: 5.7
IMDB Votes: 19000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: USA
Duration: 138 min
Plot tags: uplifting, christian film, biblical, captivating, inspirational, historical drama, spiritual, disgusting, serious, contemplative
Similar in 85%
The Gospel According to St. Matthew (1964)
Plot Summary:
The life of Jesus Christ according to the Gospel of Matthew. Pasolini shows Christ as a marxist avant-la-lettre and therefore uses half of the text of Matthew.
IMDB Rating: 7.6
IMDB Votes: 13000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: Italy, France
Duration: 137 min
Plot tags: biblical, christian film, spiritual, art house, bleak, stylized, black and white, fairy tale, philosophical, mysterious
Similar in 77%
Silence (2016)
Plot Summary:
Two Jesuit priests travel to seventeenth century Japan which has, under the Tokugawa shogunate, banned Catholicism and almost all foreign contact.
IMDB Rating: 7.2
IMDB Votes: 121000
Genere: Drama, History
Country: USA, UK, Taiwan, Japan, Mexico
Duration: 161 min
Plot tags: philosophical, stylized, cerebral, intellectual, suspense, melancholic, visually stunning, psychological, epic, emotional