The film adheres to traditional narrative constraints with no evidence of non-cisnormative identities or same-sex intimacy. Character dynamics remain rooted in heteronormative structures.

Female characters participate in the mystery, but their agency is largely tethered to the male protagonist. The film reinforces 1930s gender hierarchies despite women holding active roles.

The narrative centers on interactions between European protagonists and diverse Asian populations. This setting disrupts Western animation homogeneity by featuring a multi-ethnic cast in Shanghai and Indochina.

The story explores the friction between Western institutions and local customs. It offers a nuanced moral landscape where villains are often products of systemic geopolitical pressures.

There is no significant focus on neurodivergence or physical disabilities. Characters are defined by social or professional roles rather than lived experiences with disability.