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Going Home

Name: Going Home
Director: Hans Hylkema
Released: 1993
Duration: 114 min

Representation Score

5.7/10

Fair

1993

Director

Hans Hylkema

Runtime

114 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Going Home (1993) stands out by challenging the typical colonial narrative. It avoids Eurocentric triumphalism and focuses on the fragmented identities and conflicting loyalties resulting from the collapse of the Dutch East Indies. The film's strongest point is its portrayal of racial the way different parts of someone's identity overlap, where the Indonesian character, Oeroeg, is given significant political ability to act, avoiding the common 'white savior' cliché. However, the film falls short in representing LGBTQ+ identities and diverse gender roles beyond specific domestic figures.

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Category Breakdown

Does Going Home have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include explicit LGBTQ+ characters or relationships. It focuses on male friendships and colonial domestic structures.

How does Going Home portray gender?

Fair

Male characters lead the political conflicts, while a female character acts as a stepmother, providing emotional leadership that challenges traditional family models.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Going Home?

Excellent

The film highlights the relationship between a Dutch protagonist and his Indonesian counterpart, Oeroeg, who is shown as an active agent of rebellion.

How does Going Home represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The story critiques Western colonial institutions by depicting the Dutch East Indies as a failing system, emphasizing personal loyalty over imperial mandates.

Does Going Home include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no indication of physical or neurodivergent disabilities being depicted in the narrative.

Present on Screen

Strong depiction of racial the way different parts of someone's identity overlap and ability to act for Indonesian characters.
Effective critique of colonial institutions and imperialist power dynamics.
Avoids the 'white savior' cliché by centering complex, non-passive colonized subjects.

Limited or Absent

Lack of visible LGBTQ+ representation or non-straight-centered storylines.
Limited focus on diverse gender roles beyond specific domestic figures.
No evidence of representation for characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Johan Ten Berghe joins the Dutch army when the Dutch East Indies unilaterally declare independence as Indonesia. He initiates his naive driver Twan in life in the East, having grown up there as son of colonial official Hendrik, now missing. Their adventures intertwine with Johan's childhood memories, especially concerning his native best friend, Oeroeg, who joined the rebellion, as well as their nanny and later de facto stepmother. Conflicting loyalties become tangible in extreme situations

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