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Babylon

Name: Babylon
Director: Franco Rosso
Released: 1980
Duration: 95 min

Representation Score

6.3/10

Good

1980

Director

Franco Rosso

Runtime

95 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Babylon is a powerful exploration of systemic structures, using 1980s Brixton to examine the tensions between underrepresented communities and the state. Its greatest strength lies in its authentic portrayal of the Caribbean diaspora and the urban youth culture. However, the film's narrow focus on male-centric communal struggles leads to a lack of gender diversity and minimal LGBTQ+ representation. While these omissions reflect a specific historical context, they limit the film's broader social spectrum. Ultimately, the film's strength is its refusal to treat racial tension as merely a plot device, instead making it the foundation of its narrative.

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Category Breakdown

Does Babylon have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses primarily on the camaraderie among Black British men and does not include explicit LGBTQ+ characters or non-cisgender identities in its main storyline.

How does Babylon portray gender?

Limited

The movie centers around a male-centric framework emphasizing brotherhood. It avoids reinforcing traditional patriarchal leadership by depicting its male characters as disenfranchised and struggling.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Babylon?

Excellent

The film excels in representing a predominantly Black British cast, focusing on the lived experiences of the Caribbean diaspora through urban youth culture.

How does Babylon represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The story provides a nuanced critique of Western institutions and capitalism, presenting the state and police as oppressive rather than neutral arbiters of order.

Does Babylon include disability representation?

Fair

There is limited representation of specific disabilities. The film focuses more on the social and psychological hardships caused by systemic neglect and economic instability.

Present on Screen

Exceptional focus on Black British identity and the Caribbean diaspora.
Nuanced critique of Western institutions and state authority.
Authentic use of dub sound system culture to highlight character's ability to drive the story.

Limited or Absent

Lack of LGBTQ+ representation and non-cisgender identities.
Male-centric framework that limits gender diversity.
Limited focus on individual physical or neurodivergent disability.

Official Synopsis

Drama telling the story of Blue, a young man of Jamaican descent living in Brixton in 1980, as he hangs out with his friends, fronts a dub sound system, loses his job, struggles with family problems and has his friendships tested by racism.

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