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To See If I'm Smiling

Name: To See If I'm Smiling
Director: Tamar Yarom
Released: 2007
Duration: 59 min

Representation Score

4.3/10

Fair

2007

Director

Tamar Yarom

Runtime

59 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

To See If I'm Smiling disrupts conventional expectations of military heroism by refusing a sanitized or patriotic view of national service. It prioritizes individual accountability and the critique of systemic power through raw, testimonial-driven narratives. The film's strength lies in its narrative structure, which centers female voices to expose the flaws in state-mandated duty. This approach challenges traditional masculine-centric views of combat and occupation, offering a nuanced look at the psychological complexities of service. While the film excels in gendered critique and systemic deconstruction, it remains centered on the Israeli perspective. The exploration of racial and ethnic dynamics is present through the lens of occupation, but the primary ability to act stays with the soldiers.

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Category Breakdown

Does To See If I'm Smiling have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not provide explicit information about the sexual orientation or gender identity of the participants. It focuses on the gendered experience of military service rather than queer identity.

How does To See If I'm Smiling portray gender?

Good

The film allows female subjects to play a significant role in driving the story, critiquing the institutions they serve. It challenges traditional hierarchies by presenting women as active participants in state power rather than passive victims.

How racially and ethnically diverse is To See If I'm Smiling?

Fair

The film explores power dynamics between Israeli soldiers and populations in Gaza and the West Bank. While interactions between these groups are examined, the primary ability to act remains with the Israeli subjects.

How does To See If I'm Smiling represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film highlights moments of negligence and ethical failings within state institutions, portraying military functions as sites of moral ambiguity rather than sources of nationalistic pride.

Does To See If I'm Smiling include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no documented evidence regarding the inclusion of characters or subjects with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional gender hierarchies by presenting women as active, complex participants in state power.
Challenges monolithic perceptions of military service through a testimonial-driven narrative structure.
Provides a profound critique of state institutions and traditional patriotic narratives.

Limited or Absent

Primary ability to act remains concentrated with the Israeli subjects rather than the occupied populations.
Lacks explicit representation or discussion regarding LGBTQ+ identities or queer experiences.

Official Synopsis

Israel is the only country in the world where 18-year-old girls are drafted for compulsory military service. The frank testimonials of six female Israeli soldiers stationed in Gaza and the West Bank sees the young women revisit their tours of duty in the occupied territories, and share shocking moments of negligence, flippancy, immaturity and power-tripping.

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