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Mortal Kombat: The Journey Begins

Mortal Kombat: The Journey Begins

Representation Score

4.4/10

Fair

1995

PG

Director

Joseph Francis

Runtime

39 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Mortal Kombat: The Journey Begins is a typical 1990s action animation that focuses on genre clichés rather than nuanced social representation. While it offers a multicultural cast, such as Liu Kang, the film remains tied to traditional frameworks. The narrative lacks depth in exploring complex human experiences and systemic issues, focusing instead on individual martial prowess and the battle between good and evil.

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Category Breakdown

Does Mortal Kombat: The Journey Begins have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows a traditional combat tournament format and does not depict any non-binary gender identities or same-sex relationships.

How does Mortal Kombat: The Journey Begins portray gender?

Fair

Sonya Blade is a female character in an action setting, but the film upholds traditional martial arts stereotypes rather than challenging typical gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Mortal Kombat: The Journey Begins?

Fair

The cast includes a variety of ethnicities, particularly through the character Liu Kang. However, the story focuses on fantasy combat rather than delving into ethnic identity.

How does Mortal Kombat: The Journey Begins represent religion and culture?

Limited

The film adheres to Western storytelling conventions, using the 'chosen defender' cliché without exploring cultural or systemic issues.

Does Mortal Kombat: The Journey Begins include disability representation?

Minimal

The story emphasizes physical perfection and superhuman abilities, with no characters showing visible or invisible disabilities or neurodivergence.

Present on Screen

  • Liu Kang provides important non-Western ethnic representation as the main hero.
  • The film features a multicultural cast to support its high-fantasy storyline.

Limited or Absent

  • The story does not include LGBTQ+ identities or non-binary gender expressions.
  • There are no characters with visible or invisible disabilities.
  • Gender roles adhere to standard genre formulas without challenging traditional hierarchies.

Official Synopsis

As the three chosen defenders of Earth travel to Shang Tsung's island, Rayden teaches them how to become the masters of their destinies, overcome their foes, and control their powers. Liu Kang, Sonya Blade and Johnny Cage must defeat Shang Tsung, Sub Zero, Scorpion and Goro in a tournament of Mortal Kombat if they are to survive and save the fate of the earth.

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