You are here:

Not Quite Paradise

Name: Not Quite Paradise
Director: Lewis Gilbert
Released: 1985
Duration: 106 min

Representation Score

5.1/10

Fair

1985

PG-13

Director

Lewis Gilbert

Runtime

106 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Not Quite Paradise explores social and cultural themes through a communal lens. By using the kibbutz setting, the film moves away from individualistic Western narratives to examine identity and conflict. The film's strength lies in its multicultural cast and its examination of communal living. Despite avoiding a homogeneous perspective, it still adheres to a traditional romantic storyline. Overall, Not Quite Paradise bridges classical dramatic storytelling with more nuanced explorations of how different backgrounds intersect within a shared social environment.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Not Quite Paradise have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include any visible LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight relationships. The main plot revolves around a heterosexual romance between Mike and Gila.

How does Not Quite Paradise portray gender?

Fair

Gila stands out as a strong and tough character, challenging traditional feminine roles. However, the story focuses primarily on the male protagonist's personal journey.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Not Quite Paradise?

Good

The film features a diverse group of six volunteers from various backgrounds, highlighting different ethnicities. The Israeli context enriches this exploration of multiculturalism.

How does Not Quite Paradise represent religion and culture?

Good

The kibbutz setting offers a glimpse into communal living and collective identity. The story delves into the tensions arising from the clash of different cultures and social structures.

Does Not Quite Paradise include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not mention any characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Present on Screen

The kibbutz setting provides a unique backdrop for exploring communalism over individualism.
The ensemble cast includes volunteers from diverse backgrounds, creating a multicultural atmosphere.
Gila presents a strong character that challenges traditional feminine roles.

Limited or Absent

The central romantic arc follows a conventional heterosexual path, lacking LGBTQ+ representation.
The narrative focuses primarily on the male protagonist's perspective and choices.
There is no representation of characters with disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Six young volunteers from different backgrounds travel to Israel to spend a summer working on a kibbutz, a communal farm where they can find adventure, hide from their pasts or search for themselves. But when American pre-med student Mike falls for tough kibbutz woman Gila he must make the most difficult choice of his life. In a land of clashing cultures, remarkable possibilities and shocking dangers, can real love survive the most surprising challenge of them all?

How are these scores produced? →