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The Smuggler King

Name: The Smuggler King
Director: Sune Lund-Sørensen
Released: 1985
Duration: 107 min

Representation Score

1.2/10

Minimal

1985

Director

Sune Lund-Sørensen

Runtime

107 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Smuggler King film follows the social and demographic norms of post-WWI Sweden closely. The story revolves around male-dominated hierarchies and local smuggling conflicts. While the film portrays the state as an antagonist, it maintains a homogeneous demographic and focuses on a single ethnic identity. This limits its broader representation. Ultimately, the film reflects the era's social structures without challenging them.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Smuggler King have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any characters with non-straight or transgender identities. The story centers on the competitive world of smuggling.

How does The Smuggler King portray gender?

Limited

The movie emphasizes a traditional male hierarchy led by the Smuggler King and Albert Jansson. It portrays gender roles typical of the 1920s, focusing on male power struggles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Smuggler King?

Limited

Set in a small Swedish town, the film reflects the demographics of the early 20th century. There is no indication of a racially diverse cast.

How does The Smuggler King represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film presents a nuanced view of authority by showing the state as an adversary to the main characters. However, the conflict is tied to the specific laws of the time regarding alcohol.

Does The Smuggler King include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no mention of characters with disabilities, either visible or invisible, in the story.

Present on Screen

The film offers a nuanced portrayal of institutional authority by presenting the state as an adversary.

Limited or Absent

The film relies on traditional male hierarchies and gender roles typical of the 1920s.
The cast lacks racial and ethnic diversity, appearing demographically homogeneous.
There is no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or characters with disabilities.

Official Synopsis

It's the early 20s, just after World War I. In Sweden, restrictions on alcohol are harder than most people like and so, smuggling is abundant. In this particular little town, smuggling is ruled by one man, who is the king of smugglers. The smugglers who work for him don't get to keep much of the profit themselves, but if they don't work for him, they get in trouble, which his henchmen make sure. However, Albert Jansson arrives in town and starts taking up the competition with the smuggler king. Meanwhile, the police, together the customs office, try to catch the smugglers.

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