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Building Jerusalem

Name: Building Jerusalem
Director: James Erskine
Released: 2015
Duration: 91 min

Representation Score

4.3/10

Fair

2015

PG-13

Director

James Erskine

Runtime

91 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Building Jerusalem functions as a sophisticated historical critique of the British Empire. It succeeds by deconstructing moral absolutes and presenting a narrative where truth is shaped by the intersection of science, faith, and human rights. The film's strength lies in its progressive narrative complexity. By elevating the roles of both a female lead and a protagonist who challenges state authority, it moves beyond traditional biographical clichés. However, it remains constrained by the historical and societal norms of the 19th century, resulting in a lack of LGBTQ+ representation.

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Category Breakdown

Does Building Jerusalem have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on the Victorian-era partnership of John and Frances Colenso. There are no representations of non-traditional gender identities or same-sex relationships.

How does Building Jerusalem portray gender?

Good

Frances Colenso is portrayed as an intellectual partner rather than a submissive domestic figure. Her active role in missionary work highlights her significance in driving the story.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Building Jerusalem?

Good

The narrative engages with post-colonial themes by depicting interactions between British administration and the Zulu people. It avoids a purely Eurocentric perspective by centering indigenous rights.

How does Building Jerusalem represent religion and culture?

Good

The film critiques the rigid structures of the Anglican Church and British colonial administration. It explores the tension between institutional dogma and individual conscience.

Does Building Jerusalem include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no specific depictions of visible or invisible disabilities in the narrative.

Present on Screen

Challenges Victorian gender hierarchies by portraying Frances Colenso as an intellectual peer.
Avoids a purely Eurocentric lens by centering the Zulu people within the socio-political landscape.
Critiques institutional corruption and the rigid dogma of the Anglican Church.

Limited or Absent

Lacks any representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-traditional gender expressions.
Provides no visible or invisible depictions of disability within the character arcs.

Official Synopsis

After six weeks of gruelling competition, England battle reigning champions Australia. The two teams are inseparable after eighty minutes. Deep into extra time, there are just two minutes left on the clock. England rumble to within 40 yards of the posts. The ball is sent spiralling back to Jonny Wilkinson, the golden boy of English rugby, in a split second he drop kicks for goal and a chance for sporting immortality. It is an astonishing story of pressure, expectation and courage, tracing the roots of success back to the professionalization of the game in the 90s and culminating in that glorious World Cup campaign of 2003 that turned Woodward’s poisoned chalice into a golden cup.

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