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A Throw of Dice

Name: A Throw of Dice
Director: Franz Osten
Released: 1929
Duration: 74 min

Representation Score

2.4/10

Limited

1929

Not Rated

Director

Franz Osten

Runtime

74 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

A Throw of Dice stands as a historically significant achievement in early cinema due to its commitment to ethnic authenticity. By using an all-Indian cast, the film avoids the Western-centric casting trends common in 1929. However, the narrative remains deeply conservative regarding social hierarchies. The film's focus on traditional gender roles and moralistic storytelling limits its progressive reach despite its inclusive casting. The tension between its high degree of racial representation and its adherence to conventional gender structures defines its overall impact.

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Category Breakdown

Does A Throw of Dice have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows the social norms of its time and place. There is no indication of non-straight gender identities or same-sex relationships.

How does A Throw of Dice portray gender?

Limited

Sunita mainly serves as an object of desire for the male characters. She plays a reactive role, defined by her relationships with the men and her father.

How racially and ethnically diverse is A Throw of Dice?

Excellent

The film uses an all-Indian cast for a story set in rural India. This breaks the trend of Western-centric casting by offering authentic ethnic representation.

How does A Throw of Dice represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story operates as a moral tale grounded in local religious and social customs. It emphasizes traditional morality without critiquing institutions.

Does A Throw of Dice include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no prominent depictions of physical or neurodivergent disabilities used as central plot devices or character traits.

Present on Screen

The film features an all-Indian cast, providing high ethnic authenticity for its era.
The Indo-German collaboration enables a non-Western narrative within a global cinematic framework.

Limited or Absent

The female protagonist lacks a significant role in driving the story, acting primarily as a reactive object of male desire.
The narrative reinforces traditional gender hierarchies rather than challenging them.

Official Synopsis

Two neighboring kings addicted to gambling, Ranjit and his cousin Sohat, vie for the same beautiful young woman, Sunita, daughter of the hermit Kanwa.

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