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Longshot

Name: Longshot
Director: E.W. Swackhamer
Released: 1981
Duration: 100 min

Representation Score

3.4/10

Limited

1981

TV-PG

Director

E.W. Swackhamer

Runtime

100 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Longshot mainly follows a traditional coming-of-age storyline. While it offers a moderate disruption of gender hierarchies by placing a young woman in a male-dominated competitive space, it lacks complexity in representing multiple aspects of identity. The film adheres to the conventional genre structures of its time. It emphasizes individual merit and competition rather than systemic critique or social subversion. Overall, the narrative stays within established social norms, providing limited representation beyond the central female protagonist's role in the tournament.

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Category Breakdown

Does Longshot have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include any explicit LGBTQ+ characters or stories that question the idea that everyone is straight or cisgender. It seems to follow the social norms of the early 1980s.

How does Longshot portray gender?

Fair

A 14-year-old girl joins a male-dominated foosball competition and becomes the champion. This gives the female protagonist a significant role in driving the story.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Longshot?

Limited

The film does not show a diverse or non-Anglo-Saxon cast. It seems to follow the typical casting practices of 1980s domestic dramas.

How does Longshot represent religion and culture?

Fair

Themes focus on individual success and competitive spirit within a system that rewards merit. There is no obvious religious or systemic critique.

Does Longshot include disability representation?

Minimal

An injured team member serves as a plot device to start the journey. It is unclear if this provides a meaningful look at disability.

Present on Screen

The film challenges gender clichés by centering a female protagonist in a traditionally male-dominated competitive setting.
The protagonist plays a significant role in driving the narrative through her skills.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks complexity in representing multiple aspects of identity and fails to provide diverse racial or ethnic representation.
There is no evidence of LGBTQ+ characters or stories that challenge the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.
The depiction of an injured character lacks depth, appearing more as a functional plot device than a meaningful portrayal of disability.

Official Synopsis

When one of the foosball team members is injured, a 14-year-old girl takes the champion's place.

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