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Two-Edged Knife

Name: Two-Edged Knife
Director: Murilo Salles
Released: 1989
Duration: 97 min

Representation Score

3.0/10

Limited

1989

Director

Murilo Salles

Runtime

97 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Two-Edged Knife is a character-driven crime drama that deconstructs a patriarchal success story. The plot follows a wealthy lawyer's descent into criminality following marital betrayal, utilizing a traditional thriller framework. The film lacks intentional integration of the way different parts of someone's identity overlap. Instead, it focuses on individual choices and the consequences of personal actions within a standard social hierarchy, adhering to conventional genre clichés regarding class and family.

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Category Breakdown

Does Two-Edged Knife have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The story centers on a traditional marriage and the betrayal within a conventional domestic setting. There is no evidence of non-binary identities or narratives that challenge the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does Two-Edged Knife portray gender?

Fair

The female character acts primarily as a catalyst for the protagonist's criminal descent through her infidelity. The plot lacks an exploration of women's ability to drive the story outside of the domestic sphere.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Two-Edged Knife?

Fair

While set in a multi-ethnic Brazil, the focus on wealthy lawyers and powerful figures suggests a more homogeneous demographic. The film appears to follow standard class-based crime conventions.

How does Two-Edged Knife represent religion and culture?

Limited

The narrative reinforces Western concepts of family stability and individual morality. It relies on traditional legal authority and personal vengeance rather than critiques of institutional oppression.

Does Two-Edged Knife include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no information available regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities in this film.

Present on Screen

The film offers a compelling deconstruction of the 'ideal family' cliché through a high-stakes crime narrative.

Limited or Absent

The narrative relies on traditional gender roles and the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.
The focus on wealthy, powerful social strata limits broader racial and ethnic representation.
The story lacks exploration of diverse identities or systemic critiques.

Official Synopsis

Paulo is a rich lawyer who has a happy and comfortable family life, with his kid and very loyal to his wife. But when he finds out that the woman is cheating on him with his business partner and best friend, he decides to execute a perfect plan that involves murdering both and easily getting away with murder. However, Paulo's plans are about to be ruined due to some unpredictable factors involving powerful people, plenty of money, the kidnap of his son and a tenacious inspector following his steps.

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