You are here:

Bar Joseph

Name: Bar Joseph
Director: Giulio Base
Released: 2019
Duration: 95 min

Representation Score

6.1/10

Good

2019

Director

Giulio Base

Runtime

95 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Bar Joseph succeeds in disrupting regional cinematic norms by placing an interracial romance at the center of its dramatic tension. By making the intersection of race and identity the primary catalyst for conflict, the film moves beyond including someone from a minority group without giving them real depth to critique systemic resistance to multiculturalism. While the film offers strong racial and cultural commentary, it lacks clarity regarding gender hierarchies and women's ability to drive the story. The representation of non-traditional domesticity provides a meaningful challenge to social structures, even if the narrative remains heavily focused on the external violence resulting from these connections.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Bar Joseph have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film explores a romantic connection between a male bar owner and a young African immigrant. This relationship challenges the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender, though the depth of the representation is tied to external conflict.

How does Bar Joseph portray gender?

Fair

The narrative focuses on the emotional vulnerability of its male protagonist, which may disrupt traditional stoic masculinity. However, the roles and impact of female characters remain unclear.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Bar Joseph?

Excellent

The film centers on an interracial relationship between an Italian citizen and an African immigrant. This placement disrupts the typical homogeneity found in regional European cinema.

How does Bar Joseph represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The story uses a small-town setting to critique insular, nationalist structures and provincialism. It frames community norms as oppressive forces reacting against a globalized, humanist perspective.

Does Bar Joseph include disability representation?

Minimal

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

Present on Screen

Centers an interracial relationship as the primary plot driver.
Critiques insular, nationalist provincialism through a localized setting.
Challenges traditional masculine archetypes through the protagonist's emotional vulnerability.

Limited or Absent

Unclear roles and impact of female characters.
Limited exploration of queer-coded subtext beyond immediate plot conflict.
No representation of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

A love story between a lonely bar owner and a young African immigrant working in his restaurant leads to scandal and violence in a small Italian town.

How are these scores produced? →