You are here:

The Cyclist

Name: The Cyclist
Director: Mohsen Makhmalbaf
Released: 1989
Duration: 79 min

Representation Score

5.7/10

Fair

1989

Director

Mohsen Makhmalbaf

Runtime

79 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The Cyclist is a powerful exploration of endurance that prioritizes a non-Western cinematic style. It succeeds by centering the immigrant experience and providing a critical view of how economic systems commodify human suffering. However, the film's narrow focus on a single male-driven struggle limits its scope. Female characters play minor roles, and the absence of diverse identity representations keep the overall score moderate. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its cultural authenticity and its refusal to follow traditional Western narrative arcs, offering a vital look at the intersection of migration and class.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Cyclist have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or narratives. The story focuses solely on the protagonist's family and economic challenges.

How does The Cyclist portray gender?

Fair

The story revolves around a male protagonist within a patriarchal structure. The female character primarily serves as a catalyst due to her illness rather than being an active driver of the plot.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Cyclist?

Good

The film offers a genuine perspective by focusing on the Afghan immigrant experience in Iran. It effectively breaks away from Anglo-centric storytelling by highlighting a localized, non-white reality.

How does The Cyclist represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film presents a nuanced critique of class and exploitative economic systems. It avoids Hollywood clichés and instead emphasizes post-colonial themes and the systemic pressures faced by migrants.

Does The Cyclist include disability representation?

Fair

Though there is no central permanent disability, the film portrays extreme physical deterioration and exhaustion. This suffering is shown as arduous labor rather than sentimental inspiration.

Present on Screen

Provides an authentic, non-Western perspective by centering the Afghan immigrant experience.
Offers a sophisticated critique of class structures and the commodification of human suffering.
Avoids 'inspiration porn' by treating physical exhaustion with dignity and realism.

Limited or Absent

Lacks LGBTQ+ representation or narratives exploring non-straight identities.
Female characters play minor roles, often serving merely as catalysts for the male protagonist.
The narrative focus is narrow, centering almost entirely on a singular male struggle.

Official Synopsis

The wife of Nasim, an Afghan immigrant in Iran, is gravely ill. He needs money to pay for her care, but his day labor digging wells does not pay enough. A friend connects Nasim to a two-bit promoter who sells tickets to watch Nasim ride a bicycle continuously for a week. The promoter brings in sick and aged spectators, haranguing them to find hope in Nasim's strength. Aided by his son, who feeds him as he rides, Nasim grinds out the days and shivering nights. Local officials believe this may be a plot and Nasim may be a spy; they try to sabotage him as do those who bet he won't finish the week. Will desperation alone get Nasim the money? Is any triumph an illusion?

How are these scores produced? →