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Cola Wars

Name: Cola Wars
Director: Mark Herzog
Released: 2019
Duration: 84 min

Representation Score

1.1/10

Minimal

2019

Director

Mark Herzog

Runtime

84 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Cola Wars is a historical documentary centered on the intense rivalry between Coca-Cola and Pepsi. The narrative structure prioritizes market dynamics, brand management, and the 1985 'New Coke' controversy over social identity. The film serves as a study of capitalism and consumer psychology. Since the conflict is rooted in corporate competition rather than identity-based power dynamics, it lacks depth in reflecting multiple aspects of identity. Ultimately, the documentary adheres to traditional industry-focused conventions. It offers a historical perspective on global beverage companies without delving into systemic hierarchies or diverse social representation.

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Category Breakdown

Does Cola Wars have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses solely on corporate history and industrial rivalry. There are no LGBTQ+ characters or stories involving non-binary gender identities.

How does Cola Wars portray gender?

Limited

The narrative centers on corporate executives and leaders. It lacks characters that represent gender diversity or challenge traditional male leadership roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Cola Wars?

Limited

The film discusses global industries but has a cast that is not diverse. The narrative seems focused on Western corporate structures.

How does Cola Wars represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film examines the mechanics of global capitalism and Western corporations. It focuses on market volatility rather than cultural or institutional critiques.

Does Cola Wars include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no mention of subjects with visible or invisible disabilities within the film.

Present on Screen

Provides a detailed historical account of the 1985 'New Coke' era.
Explores the tension between established institutional dominance and disruptive market challengers.

Limited or Absent

Lacks character development that reflects multiple aspects of identity.
Does not address social identity or deconstruct systemic hierarchies within the corporate narrative.

Official Synopsis

Traces the long and ferocious rivalry between Coke and Pepsi, centered on the “New Coke” debacle of 1985. For almost a hundred years, Coke had been the undisputed leader in the multibillion dollar global soda industry–stodgy, predictable, but indisputably top dog–while Pepsi had been the upstart No. 2, forever poking at its big brother with cutting edge advertising. But in 1985, in a stranger-than-fiction twist, Coca-Cola’s executives took a step so daring that no one in either company could believe it: they changed the formula of the most popular beverage on the planet.

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