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The Great King

Name: The Great King
Director: Veit Harlan
Released: 1942
Duration: 118 min

Representation Score

0.7/10

Minimal

1942

Director

Veit Harlan

Runtime

118 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film is a historical drama that upholds traditional social and political hierarchies. It centers on the idea of a 'Great Man' leading the state, emphasizing the need for a strong, competent leader. By focusing on national duty and masculine military command, the work avoids questioning power dynamics. The narrative structure supports the status quo without offering complexity related to multiple identities. Overall, the production reflects the ideological framework of its time, depicting a world defined by ethnic homogeneity and strict, state-imposed social structures.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Great King have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender narratives. It focuses solely on traditional heterosexual relationships.

How does The Great King portray gender?

Minimal

The movie emphasizes traditional masculine roles and military authority, reinforcing gender hierarchies without challenging them.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Great King?

Minimal

The cast is shown as a uniform group of Europeans, reflecting the historical norm of ethnic homogeneity without introducing diverse perspectives.

How does The Great King represent religion and culture?

Minimal

The story highlights the importance of monarchy and military institutions, promoting a singular, patriotic viewpoint centered around state authority.

Does The Great King include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters with visible or invisible disabilities featured in the film. Disability is not used as a meaningful part of character development.

Present on Screen

Provides a clear, focused historical depiction of Prussian military leadership and the Battle of Kunersdorf.

Limited or Absent

Lacks any representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender narratives.
Does not include diverse racial or ethnic perspectives, maintaining a homogeneous cast.
Does not feature characters with disabilities or give them meaningful roles.
Reinforces rigid gender hierarchies by focusing exclusively on masculine military authority.
Avoids cultural complexity in favor of a singular, state-centric moral perspective.

Official Synopsis

King Frederick II (aka "Frederick the Great") of Prussia is engaged in a major battle against the Austrian army at Kunersdorf, and things aren't going well. The Austrians are inflicting major casualties, and his army is beginning to crumble. Defeat seems inevitable when a combination of events gives him hope that he may pull victory from the jaws of defeat after all.

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