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A War

Name: A War
Director: Tobias Lindholm
Released: 2015
Duration: 115 min

Representation Score

6.2/10

Good

2015

Director

Tobias Lindholm

Runtime

115 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Tobias Lindholm’s film deconstructs the 'just war' mythos with a visceral approach. It rejects traditional heroic clichés to explore systemic ambiguity and fragmented morality. The film excels by challenging the standard Western narrative of military triumph. However, the work remains confined to conventional social structures. Its narrative architecture is rooted in traditional family structures and gender roles, offering little space for LGBTQ+ or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth perspectives. Ultimately, the film’s diversity lies in its intellectual engagement with post-colonial themes. It uses the Afghan setting to critique Western dominance, providing a nuanced look at the psychological and structural burdens of modern warfare.

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Category Breakdown

Does A War have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on a traditional family structure where everyone is assumed to be straight and cisgender. There are no characters or stories that explore LGBTQ+ or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.

How does A War portray gender?

Fair

The story contrasts strong, masculine military roles with the domestic sphere. While Maria adds depth to the female experience, the film doesn't challenge traditional gender hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is A War?

Fair

By showing Danish military operations alongside Afghan civilian life, the film challenges the typical Western hero narrative. It shares the perspective of local populations to highlight the disconnect between interventionist goals and local realities.

How does A War represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative questions the effectiveness of Western institutions and avoids simplistic patriotism. It portrays the military-industrial complex as a source of systemic problems and moral ambiguity.

Does A War include disability representation?

Limited

The film addresses psychological trauma and the hidden wounds of combat. These issues are presented as inevitable consequences of war, rather than exploring neurodivergent identities or personal ability to act.

Present on Screen

Engages deeply with post-colonial themes and the realities of Afghan civilian life.
Provides a powerful critique of Western institutional authority and the military-industrial complex.
Avoids simplistic patriotic morality in favor of complex, situational ethics.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation for LGBTQ+ identities or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth narratives.
Relies on traditional gender hierarchies and conventional family structures.
Limits exploration of disability beyond the functional reality of combat stress.

Official Synopsis

Company commander Claus Michael Pedersen and his men are stationed in Helmand, Afghanistan. Meanwhile back in Denmark, with a husband at war and three children missing their father, everyday life is a struggle for Claus' wife Maria. During a routine mission, the soldiers are caught in heavy Taliban crossfire. In order to save his men, Claus makes a decision that ultimately sees him return to Denmark accused of a war crime.

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