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High Crimes

Name: High Crimes
Director: Carl Franklin
Released: 2002
Duration: 115 min

Representation Score

3.6/10

Limited

2002

PG-13

Director

Carl Franklin

Runtime

115 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

High Crimes succeeds as a sophisticated critique of institutional integrity. By centering a Black protagonist in an investigative role, the film moves beyond simple procedural clichés to challenge systemic corruption and the 'blue wall of silence'. While the film provides a strong multi-layered critique of race and state-sanctioned violence, it remains limited in other areas. The narrative operates within a male-dominated framework and offers no engagement with LGBTQ+ or disability-related storylines. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its refusal to present a heroic state archetype. Instead, it presents a complex landscape where institutional survival often takes precedence over individual truth and rights.

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Category Breakdown

Does High Crimes have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or narratives, focusing solely on professional and legal themes without addressing non-straight identities.

How does High Crimes portray gender?

Fair

A female attorney plays a key role in driving the plot, showcasing professional empowerment. However, the overall environment is still dominated by traditional masculine power structures.

How racially and ethnically diverse is High Crimes?

Good

The film centers around a Black protagonist who holds an investigative role, challenging stereotypes by using his ability to act to critique institutions that typically marginalize people of color.

How does High Crimes represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The narrative questions the reliability of Western institutions, depicting military and law enforcement as susceptible to corruption. It explores a worldview defined by moral relativism and systemic ambiguity.

Does High Crimes include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no indication of visible or invisible disabilities being used as central plot devices or character traits.

Present on Screen

Features a Black protagonist in a position of investigative authority.
Uses a female attorney to provide professional empowerment against patriarchal structures.
Offers a nuanced critique of systemic corruption and institutional power.

Limited or Absent

Lacks any representation of LGBTQ+ identities or narratives.
Operates primarily within a male-dominated institutional framework.
Provides no engagement with disability representation.

Official Synopsis

A female attorney learns that her husband is really a marine officer who has been AWOL for fifteen years and accused of murdering fifteen civilians in El Salvador. Believing her husband when he tells her that he's being framed as part of a U.S. Military cover-up, the attorney defends him in a military court.

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