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The Square

Name: The Square
Director: Jehane Noujaim
Released: 2013
Duration: 88 min

Representation Score

6.1/10

Good

2013

Not Rated

Director

Jehane Noujaim

Runtime

88 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Square stands out by breaking away from Western-centric geopolitical narratives. By highlighting the ability to act of Egyptian activists, the film provides a deep insight into grassroots mobilization and the dismantling of state power. Its key strength lies in its refusal to provide a simple moral message. Instead, it offers a complex, multifaceted view of the revolutionary struggle, capturing the chaotic quest for self-determination. While the film excels in showcasing racial and cultural diversity, it falls short in exploring specific identity-based subcultures, such as LGBTQ+ narratives, within the revolutionary movement.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Square have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film focuses on the broader political struggle of the revolution but lacks visible LGBTQ+ representation or explicit non-cisgender identities among the activists.

How does The Square portray gender?

Fair

Women are shown as active participants in both political discussions and physical protests. However, male activists often dominate the narrative, even though women navigate dangerous situations.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Square?

Excellent

The documentary offers a unique perspective centered around the Egyptian population, presenting them as the main actors in their own history and challenging Western-centric viewpoints.

How does The Square represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film explores the tension between secularists and Islamists, offering a nuanced view of the revolution where the fight for self-determination is influenced by various belief systems.

Does The Square include disability representation?

Minimal

The documentary does not focus on specific stories involving physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Present on Screen

Highlights Egyptian voices as the primary historical agents.
Disrupts Western-centric views of political ability to act.
Offers a nuanced, multifaceted view of the revolutionary struggle.
Highlights women as active protesters.

Limited or Absent

Lacks visible representation of LGBTQ+ identities and ability to act.
Focuses more on male activists rather than women.

Official Synopsis

The Square looks at the hard realities faced day-to-day by people working to build Egypt’s new democracy. Cairo’s Tahrir Square is the heart and soul of the film, which follows several young activists. Armed with values, determination, music, humor, an abundance of social media, and sheer obstinacy, they know that the thorny path to democracy only began with Hosni Mubarak’s fall. The life-and-death struggle between the people and the power of the state is still playing out.

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