The Long Way Back: The Story of Todd Z-Man Zalkins
2017
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Representation score: 6.9 out of 10
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Andy Irons: Kissed by God
Representation Score
4.2/10
Fair
2018
Not RatedDirector
Steve Jones, Todd Jones
Runtime
100 minutes
Average Rating
No ratings yetNew Showbiz Analysis
The documentary excels by bringing to light the internal battles of a professional athlete, moving beyond the 'invincible hero' stereotype. Its strongest points are the authentic portrayal of Hawaiian identity and the compassionate handling of mental health and addiction as systemic issues. However, the film is constrained by its narrow biographical focus. It operates within a traditional masculine framework and does not offer a wide range of identities, concentrating almost entirely on the central subject's life and the surfing community.
Category Breakdown
Does Andy Irons: Kissed by God have LGBTQ+ representation?
The film focuses solely on the history of professional surfing and does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or stories about non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.
How does Andy Irons: Kissed by God portray gender?
The documentary centers on the male-dominated world of professional surfing. It lacks meaningful roles for women and emphasizes the struggles and achievements of its male protagonist.
How racially and ethnically diverse is Andy Irons: Kissed by God?
The film provides meaningful representation by delving into Polynesian and Hawaiian cultures. It highlights the local surfing icon's identity and validates indigenous heritage.
How does Andy Irons: Kissed by God represent religion and culture?
The film examines addiction and bipolar disorder as systemic health issues rather than moral failings. It remains focused on the biography of the subject rather than broader cultural critiques.
Does Andy Irons: Kissed by God include disability representation?
The documentary offers a nuanced look at invisible disabilities by focusing on bipolar disorder. It portrays neurodivergence as a complex part of the human condition.
Present on Screen
- Authentic immersion in Polynesian and Hawaiian cultural nuances.
- Nuanced, non-judgmental portrayal of bipolar disorder and neurodivergence.
- Highlights socioeconomic and ethnic realities in elite sports.
Limited or Absent
- Lacks meaningful roles for women in the story.
- Does not include LGBTQ+ identities or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth narratives.
- Maintains a narrow focus on a single male protagonist.
Official Synopsis
A film about bipolar disorder and opioid addiction as seen through the life of three-time world champion surfer Andy Irons. He was the pride of Hawaii and revered around the world for his blue collar rise to fame and success. However, many were unaware of his internal battles that led to his demise. As the opioid crisis rises to a national emergency in the United States, the untold story of Andy’s life serves to tear down the myths associated with these two ferocious diseases.
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