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Kicking Off

Name: Kicking Off
Director: Anton Bormatov
Released: 2013
Duration: 100 min

Representation Score

2.4/10

Limited

2013

Director

Anton Bormatov

Runtime

100 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Kicking Off is a gritty, realist drama centered on the aggressive and exclusive world of soccer hooligans. The film prioritizes the hyper-realism of a localized social phenomenon, focusing on the fatalistic identity of the 'firm.' Because the narrative is built around a rigid, hyper-masculine subculture, it lacks significant representation for women and LGBTQ+ individuals. The social structure depicted relies heavily on traditional gender performance and physical dominance. While the film captures a specific socio-economic slice of life, it does not appear to engage with broader multi-layered identities or diverse social hierarchies, opting instead for a narrow study of tribalism.

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Category Breakdown

Does Kicking Off have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film focuses on a hyper-masculine, insular subculture of soccer hooligans. There are no queer characters or narratives that challenge the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does Kicking Off portray gender?

Limited

The narrative centers on a male-dominated hierarchy within the 'firm.' It reinforces traditional masculine leadership and physical dominance without showing women playing a significant role in driving the story.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Kicking Off?

Fair

The film explores various socio-economic backgrounds, from bankers to mechanics. However, there is no specific evidence regarding racial composition or intentional casting that reflects multiple aspects of identity.

How does Kicking Off represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story examines tribalism and the rejection of mainstream norms through hooliganism. It functions as a character study of a specific subculture rather than a systemic critique.

Does Kicking Off include disability representation?

Minimal

The available information provides no mention of characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Present on Screen

Provides a realistic look at the socio-economic diversity within hooligan groups, including students and professionals.
Offers a deep, focused character study of a specific, niche subculture.

Limited or Absent

Lacks women's ability to drive the story and representation within the central social hierarchy.
Provides no visibility for LGBTQ+ identities or queer perspectives.
Does not address disability or broader multi-layered demographics.

Official Synopsis

This movie is about soccer hooligans, the most aggressive and violent soccer aficionados. They are an exclusive group, the elite of all soccer fans. Whoever they may be in their everyday lives—college students, bankers, musicians, or car mechanics—they are a “firm.” It’s easy to get into a firm, but once you’re in, it’s for life. There’s no going back. The movie is based on actual events

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