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Side Job

Name: Side Job
Director: Ryuichi Hiroki
Released: 2017
Duration: 120 min

Representation Score

7.6/10

Good

2017

Director

Ryuichi Hiroki

Runtime

120 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Side Job is a character-driven drama that explores the tension between personal desires and societal expectations. It examines human value beyond traditional measures of success and failure. The film effectively centers on female autonomy and delves into the complexities of survival. By focusing on the internal experiences of its characters, it challenges conventional social hierarchies and moralistic structures. However, the narrative remains confined to a specific Japanese cultural context, lacking broader multi-ethnic representation. The exploration of identity and disability is thematic rather than explicitly defined through specific on-screen markers.

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Category Breakdown

Does Side Job have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film emphasizes personal resilience over typical romantic storylines. Although specific LGBTQ identities aren't confirmed, the focus on survivors hints at flexible interpersonal connections.

How does Side Job portray gender?

Fair

The narrative highlights the protagonist's control over her own story, challenging traditional male-dominated structures. It portrays her life based on personal truth rather than societal conformity or passivity.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Side Job?

Fair

This Japanese production focuses on local social dynamics. There is no indication of multi-ethnic casting or diverse racial representation within this cultural setting.

How does Side Job represent religion and culture?

Good

The story questions strict moral codes by showing that lives outside conventional norms are not inherently wrong. It promotes a humanist perspective focused on individual resilience.

Does Side Job include disability representation?

Fair

The film's focus on survivors includes characters dealing with psychological trauma or mental health issues. Despite their invisible hardships, characters exhibit ability to act and resilience.

Present on Screen

Strong focus on female autonomy and subjectivity.
Challenges traditional definitions of success and failure.
Explores complex human relationships and social nuances through a humanist lens.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit evidence of multi-ethnic or diverse casting.
Queer identities and non-traditional pairings are not clearly defined.
Relies on thematic implications rather than overt representation of specific identities.

Official Synopsis

Based on the novel "Kanojo no Jinsei wa Machigai ja Nai" (literal translation: Her life is not at fault) by Director Hiroki, it is a powerful story of survivors, who are all trying to find their own silver linings in life.

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