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Chang'an

Name: Chang'an
Director: Xie Junwei, Zou Jing
Released: 2023
Duration: 168 min

Representation Score

4.5/10

Fair

2023

Director

Xie Junwei, Zou Jing

Runtime

168 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Chang'an succeeds as a culturally specific epic that challenges Western-centric historical frameworks. By focusing on Tang Dynasty aesthetics and the intellectual bond between historical figures, it provides a rich, non-Western perspective on imperial history. However, the film remains constrained by the traditional hierarchies of its period. The narrative focus on military and political spheres results in a lack of women's ability to drive the story and a reliance on conventional gender roles. While the setting offers a framework for ethnic diversity via the Silk Road, the film does not explicitly center modern multi-layered identities or LGBTQ+ narratives, resulting in a moderate overall score.

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Category Breakdown

Does Chang'an have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film highlights the deep emotional connection and lifelong friendship between Gao Shi and Li Bai. However, it does not include explicit LGBTQ+ identities or narratives that challenge the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does Chang'an portray gender?

Fair

The story focuses on male-dominated military and political spheres during the Tang Dynasty. It emphasizes traditional historical roles, highlighting masculine leadership and the experiences of commanders and poets.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Chang'an?

Fair

Set in the cosmopolitan Tang Dynasty, the film showcases the multicultural landscape of the Silk Road. It avoids insular depictions by embracing a multi-ethnic historical framework.

How does Chang'an represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative celebrates Tang Dynasty aesthetics and literary traditions through figures like Li Bai. It offers a nuanced, non-Western perspective on imperial instability and historical identity.

Does Chang'an include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no discernible evidence regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities within the narrative.

Present on Screen

Provides a culturally rich, non-Western perspective that challenges dominant historical storytelling frameworks.
Celebrates specific Tang Dynasty aesthetics and the profound literary traditions of the era.
Utilizes a cosmopolitan historical setting that allows for a multi-ethnic, non-homogeneous landscape.

Limited or Absent

Lacks female characters who exercise significant control over their own lives or challenge traditional gender hierarchies.
Does not explicitly center or represent queer identities or narratives that challenge the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.
Focuses heavily on male-dominated spheres, limiting gender diversity within the central conflict.

Official Synopsis

A few years after the Anshi Rebellion, Tang dynasty military commander Gao Shi suffers a defeat in a battle threatening Chang'an. Trapped in the besieged city, he recalls his lifelong friendship with the acclaimed poet Li Bai.

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