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Les Misérables

Name: Les Misérables
Director: Ladj Ly
Released: 2019
Duration: 104 min

Representation Score

4.2/10

Fair

2019

Director

Ladj Ly

Runtime

104 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Ladj Ly’s film is a powerful, localized examination of urban sociology that prioritizes racial and ethnic authenticity. By featuring predominantly Black and North African characters, the film challenges traditional, homogeneous perspectives often seen in crime dramas. This provides a significant role in driving the story to characters of color navigating systemic challenges. However, the film’s focus is narrow, emphasizing hyper-masculine police and gang dynamics. This results in limited gender diversity and a lack of LGBTQ+ visibility. The narrative is driven by systemic and communal conflicts rather than a broad range of identities. Ultimately, the film’s strength lies in its post-colonial critique of institutional power. While it lacks breadth in gender and sexual orientation, its commitment to representing the specific demographic realities of the French suburbs is commendable.

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Category Breakdown

Does Les Misérables have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include visible LGBTQ+ identities. The storyline focuses solely on socioeconomic and racial tensions in Montfermeil.

How does Les Misérables portray gender?

Limited

The story emphasizes a male-dominated structure, focusing on the brotherhood of a police squad and the hyper-masculine culture among local youth.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Les Misérables?

Excellent

The film showcases authentic demographics with a predominantly Black and North African cast, reflecting the diverse realities of the French banlieues.

How does Les Misérables represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The narrative offers a critical look at Western institutions, presenting the state and policing as occupying forces rather than protectors.

Does Les Misérables include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no prominent portrayals of visible or invisible disabilities. The film does not feature any disability-driven character arcs or plot progressions.

Present on Screen

Exceptional demographic authenticity through a predominantly Black and North African cast.
Sophisticated deconstruction of systemic power and institutional corruption.
Authentic portrayal of the diverse realities within the French banlieues.

Limited or Absent

Limited gender diversity due to a heavily male-centric narrative framework.
Lack of visible LGBTQ+ representation or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.
Minimal focus on characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Stéphane has recently joined the Anti-Crime Squad in Montfermeil, in the suburbs of Paris, France, where Victor Hugo set his famed novel “Les Miserables”. Alongside his new colleagues Chris and Gwada – both experienced members of the team – he quickly discovers tensions running high between local gangs. When the trio finds themselves overrun during the course of an arrest, a drone captures the encounter, threatening to expose the reality of everyday life.

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