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Thomas & Friends: The Great Race

Name: Thomas & Friends: The Great Race
Director: David Stoten
Released: 2016
Duration: 64 min

Representation Score

3.6/10

Limited

2016

Not Rated

Director

David Stoten

Runtime

64 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film marks a significant shift for the franchise by expanding its scope to a more global perspective. This is achieved through the inclusion of international characters who bring cultural variety to the Great Railway Show. However, the narrative remains rooted in traditional clichés. While it celebrates international diversity through character design, it does not address gender subversion, LGBTQ+ identities, or the disruption of systemic power structures. Ultimately, the film prioritizes a sense of global inclusion through its diverse cast of engines rather than through a deeper examination of social hierarchies.

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Category Breakdown

Does Thomas & Friends: The Great Race have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any representation of non-binary or LGBTQ+ identities. The story centers on competitive sportsmanship within a traditional framework.

How does Thomas & Friends: The Great Race portray gender?

Limited

The cast is predominantly male-coded, reinforcing a masculine-focused environment. Female-coded characters have limited influence over the plot.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Thomas & Friends: The Great Race?

Good

The film introduces a diverse range of characters from around the world, such as Yong Bao and Ashima, who bring international motifs into the central competition.

How does Thomas & Friends: The Great Race represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story emphasizes sportsmanship and merit within a framework of friendly international competition. It does not challenge traditional values or promote secularism.

Does Thomas & Friends: The Great Race include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no explicit depiction of physical or neurodivergent disabilities. Character struggles are mainly focused on the pressures of competition.

Present on Screen

The inclusion of international characters like Yong Bao and Ashima successfully broadens the world beyond its Western origins.
The use of specific cultural motifs and designs celebrates international variety within the central competition.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities and non-binary gender expressions.
The narrative remains heavily male-dominated, offering little influence to female-coded characters.
There is no explicit representation of physical or neurodivergent disabilities among the characters.

Official Synopsis

Thomas goes to the Great Railway Show and competes with some of the world's finest locomotives.

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