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The Crusades

Name: The Crusades
Director: Cecil B. DeMille
Released: 1935
Duration: 125 min

Representation Score

0.3/10

Minimal

1935

Approved

Director

Cecil B. DeMille

Runtime

125 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film presents a traditional historical epic that upholds established Western hierarchies. By emphasizing the defense of religious institutions and monarchical leadership, the film prioritizes historical continuity over the exploration of diverse identities. The narrative structure centers on preserving traditional social and spiritual orders, which leaves little room for diverse or non-conforming perspectives. Ultimately, the film serves as a classic example of early 20th-century spectacle, favoring the glorification of established power dynamics and religious exceptionalism over any deconstruction of historical or cultural complexities.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Crusades have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows the traditional assumptions of the time, assuming everyone is straight and cisgender. There is no depiction of LGBTQ+ identities or challenges to traditional gender norms.

How does The Crusades portray gender?

Limited

The story emphasizes masculine leadership and strength through characters like King Richard. Women are shown in supporting roles and are not portrayed as agents of systemic change.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Crusades?

Minimal

The narrative focuses on a Western perspective, reinforcing a Eurocentric view of history. Non-Western cultures may be portrayed in stylized or stereotypical ways.

How does The Crusades represent religion and culture?

Minimal

The film highlights the defense of Christianity and valorizes Western religious expansion. It does not explore secular or critical views of religion.

Does The Crusades include disability representation?

Minimal

Characters with disabilities are not given significant roles or ability to act. Physical impairments are often used as a symbol of moral judgment or weakness.

Present on Screen

Offers a grand historical spectacle centered on significant 12th-century events.
Highlights the leadership and military strategies of well-known historical figures.

Limited or Absent

Does not include representations of non-straight or non-cisgender identities or diverse gender roles.
Reinforces Western-centric viewpoints and religious exceptionalism without providing cultural nuance.
Does not give characters with disabilities significant roles or ability to act.

Official Synopsis

King Richard the Lionhearted launches a crusade to preserve Christianity in Jerusalem.

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