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Afternoon

Name: Afternoon
Director: Tsai Ming-liang
Released: 2015
Duration: 137 min

Representation Score

7.5/10

Good

2015

Director

Tsai Ming-liang

Runtime

137 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Afternoon is a film that prioritizes atmosphere and reflection over traditional storytelling. It documents the relationship between Tsai Ming-liang and Lee Kang-sheng, emphasizing their collaborative bond. The film's diversity lies in its rejection of Western-centric narratives and its focus on existential reflection and the textures of Taipei. It avoids direct demographic representation or identity politics. While it does not heavily feature LGBTQ+ identities or gender stereotypes, its cultural critique offers a significant contrast to mainstream cinema.

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Category Breakdown

Does Afternoon have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not focus specifically on LGBTQ+ stories. Instead, it emphasizes the professional and spiritual bond between the director and actor.

How does Afternoon portray gender?

Fair

The story mainly revolves around the experiences of two men, focusing on vulnerability and emotional depth rather than traditional masculine roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Afternoon?

Fair

Set in Taiwan, the film offers a unique local perspective that challenges Western-centric storytelling. It presents a meaningful alternative to standardized global aesthetics.

How does Afternoon represent religion and culture?

Good

The film critiques modern urban life and capitalism by highlighting feelings of isolation and memory. It rejects conventional Western thinking in favor of a more fluid, postmodern approach.

Does Afternoon include disability representation?

Fair

The film does not prominently depict physical or neurodivergent disabilities. Its focus on solitude touches on psychological themes but does not give specific ability to act to disabled characters.

Present on Screen

Provides a meaningful counter-narrative to Western-centric storytelling through its deep Taiwanese roots.
Offers a progressive critique of modern urbanity and capitalist structures.
Avoids traditional gender clichés by focusing on vulnerability rather than masculine archetypes.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or queer narratives.
Focuses narrowly on the male experience with minimal female presence.
Does not provide specific depictions or ability to act regarding disability or neurodivergence.

Official Synopsis

Lush jungle and a building in ruins are the ideal stage for a film-confession that defies storytelling and goes beyond conversation on cinema. Tsai Ming-Liang and his actor Lee Kang-sheng confess and put on stage a pièce in which attention and slowness are in tune with the rhythm of memory. The unveiling of Tsai Ming-liang’s filmmaking: from Stray Dogs to the most intimate notes of the director-actor relationship.

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