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Barbaric Land

Name: Barbaric Land
Director: Angela Ricci Lucchi, Yervant Gianikian
Released: 2013
Duration: 65 min

Representation Score

6.8/10

Good

2013

Director

Angela Ricci Lucchi, Yervant Gianikian

Runtime

65 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Barbaric Land is a documentary that uses archival footage to challenge the myth of the 'civilizing mission.' Its primary strength lies in its interrogation of colonial power and its refusal to uphold Western historical hierarchies. The film centers the Ethiopian experience, effectively challenging Eurocentric history. By reframing the mechanics of Mussolini's invasion, it exposes the systemic violence inherent in imperialist structures. However, the film lacks specific representation for LGBTQ+ identities and does not address physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

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Category Breakdown

Does Barbaric Land have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not explicitly depict LGBTQ+ identities. However, it may implicitly critique colonial masculinity that assumes everyone is straight.

How does Barbaric Land portray gender?

Good

The work challenges traditional masculine heroism by reframing the conqueror archetype. It uses found footage to highlight the brutality of Mussolini's regime rather than glorifying leadership.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Barbaric Land?

Excellent

This film interrogates racial hierarchy by centering the Ethiopian experience. It disrupts Eurocentric clichés and exposes the violence against non-Western populations.

How does Barbaric Land represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The narrative prioritizes anti-colonialism and critiques Western imperialism. It favors the perspectives of the oppressed over traditional Western triumphalism.

Does Barbaric Land include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no evidence regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities within this work.

Present on Screen

Interrogation of coloniality and racial hierarchy.
Disruption of Eurocentric historical narratives.
Challenges traditional masculine heroism.

Limited or Absent

Lack of explicit LGBTQ+ character portrayals.
No representation of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Milan-based duo Yervant Gianikian and Angela Ricci Lucchi create an astonishing work of militant poetry with this found-footage chronicle of Mussolini's brutal invasion of Ethiopia.

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