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The Soul Is Greater Than the World

Name: The Soul Is Greater Than the World
Director: Stefan Jarl
Released: 1985
Duration: 105 min

Representation Score

7.3/10

Good

1985

Director

Stefan Jarl

Runtime

105 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Stefan Jarl’s documentary is a study of social realism that emphasizes the psychological and socioeconomic fringes of Swedish society. It excels in humanizing the disenfranchised and critiquing the indifference of state institutions such as the Olympic Committee. However, the film lacks demographic diversity. Its focus on a specific national athlete during a particular era results in limited representation of LGBTQ+ and racial diversity, reflecting the homogeneity of the time period. Ultimately, the work stands out for its deconstruction of institutional authority and its empathetic portrayal of mental intensity and personal ability to act.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Soul Is Greater Than the World have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film centers on the intense psychological journey of Ricky Bruch, focusing solely on his experiences without depicting any non-cisgender identities or same-sex relationships.

How does The Soul Is Greater Than the World portray gender?

Fair

The movie portrays masculinity through self-destructive neurosis rather than traditional dominance, shifting the focus from physical strength to psychological vulnerability.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Soul Is Greater Than the World?

Fair

The film reflects the demographic homogeneity of 1980s Stockholm, exploring socioeconomic diversity among the underclass but lacking significant racial blending.

How does The Soul Is Greater Than the World represent religion and culture?

Excellent

It offers a critical view of Western institutions and the Swedish welfare state, highlighting the conflict between individuals and bureaucratic power structures.

Does The Soul Is Greater Than the World include disability representation?

Good

The documentary presents a nuanced look at neurodivergence through Ricky Bruch's obsessive training routines, treating his psychological intensity with dignity.

Present on Screen

Provides a critical view of institutional power and bureaucratic indifference.
Offers a nuanced, respectful portrayal of neurodivergence and psychological intensity.
Humanizes those living on the periphery of societal norms through social realism.

Limited or Absent

Lacks visible representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender gender expressions.
Reflects the demographic homogeneity of its era with limited racial diversity.
Focuses heavily on a singular male subject, limiting broader demographic representation.

Official Synopsis

A documentary about Swedish Discus champion Ricky Bruch as he prepares for the 1984 Olympics. The film highlights Bruch's obsessive behavior regarding his training and preparations. Facing difficulties with the Swedish Olympic Committee, Bruch is denied the right to compete in the Olympic Games. Bent on revenge, he trains like an animal and competes in smaller competitions, ultimately throwing his career-best 71.26 meters (233 feet, 9 inches). Proving to himself and the world that he is the greatest, Ricky's throw would have won the 1984 Olympics by nearly 5 meters.

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