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City of Blood

Name: City of Blood
Director: Darrell James Roodt
Released: 1987
Duration: 95 min

Representation Score

3.1/10

Limited

1987

Director

Darrell James Roodt

Runtime

95 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

City of Blood operates within the traditional genre conventions of late 1980s horror and mystery. The narrative structure emphasizes supernatural conflict and suspense over the deconstruction of social hierarchies or the exploration of multiple aspects of identity. The film relies on established cinematic clichés, such as the victimization of women and the portrayal of non-Western spiritualism as an antagonistic force. These elements suggest a work that adheres to conventional thriller structures rather than challenging them. Ultimately, the film lacks specific examples of diverse character arcs or the subversion of systemic power dynamics, resulting in a score that reflects its adherence to standard genre norms.

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Category Breakdown

Does City of Blood have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film focuses on a criminal investigation involving supernatural entities and sex workers but does not include any non-straight or non-cisgender identities or critiques of the assumption that everyone is straight.

How does City of Blood portray gender?

Fair

A medical examiner character provides a platform for professional involvement. However, the plot centers on the victimization of women, which can reinforce harmful stereotypes about male violence.

How racially and ethnically diverse is City of Blood?

Fair

The inclusion of an ancient tribal witch doctor introduces non-Western spiritual figures. However, this can risk framing non-Western spirituality as a source of fear, which is a common cliché.

How does City of Blood represent religion and culture?

Limited

The film contrasts Western science with non-Western spiritual beliefs. This setup might reinforce the idea that Western institutions are superior to non-Western traditions, especially if the supernatural element is seen as primitive.

Does City of Blood include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no mention of neurodivergent characters or individuals with physical disabilities. Disability does not play a central role in the plot.

Present on Screen

The protagonist's role as a medical examiner allows her to take a leading role in the investigation.
The plot incorporates non-Western mythology through the introduction of a tribal witch doctor.

Limited or Absent

The narrative risks reinforcing gendered power imbalances by centering on the victimization of women.
The use of a witch doctor may lean into 'othering' clichés by framing non-Western spiritualism as a source of terror.
The film lacks representation for LGBTQ+ identities and individuals with disabilities.

Official Synopsis

A medical examiner investigating a series of prostitute murders discovers that the culprit is an ancient tribal witch doctor come back to life.

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