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Ramesses II: The Great Journey

Name: Ramesses II: The Great Journey
Director: Valerie Girie, Guillaume Hecht
Released: 2011
Duration: 52 min

Representation Score

3.6/10

Limited

2011

Director

Valerie Girie, Guillaume Hecht

Runtime

52 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Ramesses II: The Great Journey is a traditional historical documentary that prioritizes archaeological discovery and chronological accuracy. While it provides essential visibility into an ancient North African civilization, the narrative framework follows conventional storytelling patterns rather than challenging social hierarchies. The film's perspective is split between the indigenous history of Egypt and the Western colonial lens of 19th-century explorers. This dual focus provides moderate racial and cultural visibility but adheres to traditional exploratory clichés. Ultimately, the documentary lacks intentional representation that reflects multiple aspects of identity, focusing instead on statecraft, lineage, and the singular authority of the Pharaoh.

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Category Breakdown

Does Ramesses II: The Great Journey have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The documentary focuses on the life and death of Ramesses II. It contains no evidence of LGBTQ+ characters or narratives exploring non-straight relationships.

How does Ramesses II: The Great Journey portray gender?

Limited

The narrative centers on the patriarchal structure of ancient Egyptian kingship. It emphasizes the singular authority of the male Pharaoh without highlighting women's ability to drive the story.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Ramesses II: The Great Journey?

Fair

The film provides visibility into a North African civilization. However, it balances indigenous history with the perspective of 19th-century European archaeological expeditions.

How does Ramesses II: The Great Journey represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film explores ancient religious rites and the journey to the afterlife. It functions as a historical record rather than a critique of Western institutions.

Does Ramesses II: The Great Journey include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no documented evidence regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities in this historical documentary.

Present on Screen

Provides visibility into an ancient North African civilization and its historical context.
Offers insight into non-Western spiritual frameworks and ancient religious rites.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of women's ability to drive the story or the subversion of gender hierarchies.
Does not include LGBTQ+ narratives or characters.
Relies on traditional Western exploratory clichés through the lens of 19th-century adventurers.

Official Synopsis

3,200 years ago, Egypt is living the final hours of its golden age under the reign of Ramesses II. After ruling the country for 67 years, the great pharaoh dies at the old age of 92. His mummy is burried in the heart of the Valley of the Kings. This is the beginning of his great journey towards the afterlife but only under one condition: that his tomb remains off limits forever. However, in the 19th century, many European adventurers explore the tomb of the king searching for the burial chamber. Then begins an archeological investigation, which reveals the story of Ramesses II after-life.

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