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One Way

Name: One Way
Director: Jorge Darnell
Released: 1973
Duration: 110 min

Representation Score

5.1/10

Fair

1973

Director

Jorge Darnell

Runtime

110 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

One Way succeeds as a social-realist critique of the immigrant experience. By centering a non-local protagonist in 1970s New York, the film disrupts monolithic depictions of the American Dream and highlights the brutal realities of urban integration. However, the film relies on traditional gender and romantic clichés. The female lead's role is largely defined by her connection to a male figure, and the narrative lacks LGBTQ+ representation or disability-focused storylines. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its refusal to sanitize the hardships faced by those on the margins of society, offering a gritty look at systemic corruption.

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Category Breakdown

Does One Way have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film focuses on a heterosexual relationship between a fisherman and a criminal's girlfriend. It does not include any visible LGBTQ+ identities or critiques of the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does One Way portray gender?

Fair

The story revolves around a male protagonist's struggle for survival. The female lead acts as a plot catalyst, but her role seems tied to her relationship with a dangerous man.

How racially and ethnically diverse is One Way?

Good

The narrative provides a strong look at the immigrant experience in 1970s New York. It avoids Anglo-centric clichés by centering an outsider navigating systemic barriers.

How does One Way represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film offers a cynical critique of the American Dream. It portrays the transition from traditional livelihoods to predatory urban environments as a struggle against systemic corruption.

Does One Way include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no mention of characters navigating physical, sensory, or neurodivergent challenges within the narrative.

Present on Screen

Provides a nuanced lens on systemic urban barriers through the immigrant experience.
Offers a meaningful critique of the American Dream with a cynical, realistic tone.
Avoids Anglo-centric narratives by focusing on the struggles of an outsider.

Limited or Absent

The narrative adheres to traditional gender dynamics, limiting the female lead's independent role.
Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth characters.
Does not address disability or neurodivergent experiences.

Official Synopsis

Story of a kind fisherman who wants to build himself a better future elsewhere. He crosses the border and settles in New York. But life for immigrants in 1970's New York is brutal and a downbeat cynical journey. He will have to fight for his life as he falls in love with a dangerous boss' girlfriend.

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