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Old Beast

Name: Old Beast
Director: Zhou Ziyang
Released: 2017
Duration: 111 min

Representation Score

7.3/10

Good

2017

Director

Zhou Ziyang

Runtime

111 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Old Beast is a gritty character study that deconstructs the idealized Chinese family structure. By centering on a protagonist who fails to meet cultural standards of a 'good father,' the film avoids traditional moral frameworks in favor of a cynical exploration of human frailty. The narrative effectively challenges social hierarchies and the stability of patriarchal leadership. It uses the protagonist's failures—gambling, debt, and infidelity—to highlight the breakdown of established social roles and the erosion of filial piety. However, the film lacks diversity in terms of LGBTQ+ representation and racial the way different parts of someone's identity overlap. While it provides a sophisticated critique of Confucian family ideals, the domestic focus remains narrow and ethnically homogeneous.

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Category Breakdown

Does Old Beast have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include explicit LGBTQ+ characters or identities. It centers on an extramarital affair that disrupts traditional marriage without contributing to queer representation.

How does Old Beast portray gender?

Fair

The film challenges traditional gender roles by portraying the protagonist as a morally ambiguous figure. His instability as a caregiver and lover critiques the conventional role of the stable family provider.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Old Beast?

Fair

The cast is ethnically uniform, focusing on socioeconomic shifts and class dynamics within a specific Chinese cultural context. It does not blend multiple racial perspectives.

How does Old Beast represent religion and culture?

Good

The story critiques Confucian ideals and the sanctity of the family. It replaces traditional morality with a nuanced examination of interpersonal dysfunction and moral relativism.

Does Old Beast include disability representation?

Fair

A bedridden wife introduces themes of chronic illness and physical dependency. It remains unclear whether she has personal ability to act or if her condition primarily drives the protagonist's domestic conflicts.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional gender roles through a morally ambiguous protagonist.
Provides a nuanced critique of Confucian family ideals and social expectations.
Explores human frailty and the breakdown of social roles in a sophisticated manner.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight relationships.
The depiction of disability lacks clear evidence of character's ability to drive the story.
The cast remains ethnically homogeneous with limited racial diversity.

Official Synopsis

Lao Yang is not "a good father" in Chinese traditional way although he's already in his 60s. His wealth has been through ups and downs ferociously. His business went bankrupt years ago. Luckily, his three children are all grown up and have their own family. Lao Yang spends his days between taking care of his bedridden wife, keeping a mistress, collecting debts and gambling with mahjong. Conflicts between Lao Yang and his children escalate.

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