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Black Lizard

Name: Black Lizard
Director: Kinji Fukasaku
Released: 1968
Duration: 86 min

Representation Score

4.6/10

Fair

1968

Director

Kinji Fukasaku

Runtime

86 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Black Lizard offers a compelling exploration of genre subversion within the context of 1960s Japanese cinema. By focusing on unconventional protagonists, the film challenges established hierarchies. The narrative complicates the binary of good versus evil by centering on a actively leading female thief who outwits law enforcement. This departs from the standard crime procedural format of the time. However, the film remains confined by its era, lacking ethnic diversity and explicit LGBTQ+ representation, reflecting the cultural and cinematic limitations of 1968.

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Category Breakdown

Does Black Lizard have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film uses a gender-fluid aesthetic typical of mystery genres from the era. However, it does not include explicit LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight relationships.

How does Black Lizard portray gender?

Fair

The Black Lizard serves as a actively leading protagonist whose intellect challenges masculine dominance. This subverts the submissive female cliché by making her the primary driver of the plot.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Black Lizard?

Fair

The film features a cast that reflects the homogeneity of its Japanese setting. It avoids Western whitewashing but does not blend races.

How does Black Lizard represent religion and culture?

Good

The film explores subjective morality by portraying the thief as a chaotic force. It prioritizes the outlaw archetype over strict social hierarchies.

Does Black Lizard include disability representation?

Minimal

Disability is neither a central theme nor a plot device in this film.

Present on Screen

The female protagonist subverts the submissive female cliché through her intelligence and active role in driving the story.
The film's focus on moral relativism complicates traditional notions of good versus evil.
The narrative centers on unconventional protagonists who operate outside conventional social morality.

Limited or Absent

The cast lacks ethnic and racial diversity, reflecting the homogeneity of the Japanese setting.
There is no explicit LGBTQ+ representation or non-straight relationships.
The film adheres to the traditionalist genre conventions and social constraints of the late 1960s.

Official Synopsis

A detective tries to outwit an art loving thief who has kidnapped the daughter of a jeweler to get to an exquisite diamond.

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