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The Soul

The Soul

Representation Score

7.8/10

Good

2021

NR

Director

Cheng Wei-hao

Runtime

130 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The Soul is a psychological thriller that examines the impact of Taiwan's martial law era. By grounding the narrative in local history and culture, it challenges Western rationalism through folk spiritualism. While it excels in providing a culturally specific perspective, it adheres to traditional social structures and gender roles.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Soul have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film centers on traditional family structures and does not highlight queer or non-binary identities. It focuses on straight relationships and conventional family dynamics.

How does The Soul portray gender?

Fair

Women play key roles in the story, navigating grief and uncovering mysteries. They are not reduced to domestic roles but are central to the emotional journey.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Soul?

Good

The film delves into the historical trauma of Taiwan's colonial past, offering a unique, non-Western perspective on cultural memory and political power.

How does The Soul represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The movie uses folk beliefs and spirituality to challenge Western rationalism, critiquing how political systems affect family stability.

Does The Soul include disability representation?

Fair

Psychological trauma and grief are explored as part of the atmosphere, rather than being addressed as specific disabilities or mental health issues.

Present on Screen

  • Offers a unique, non-Western perspective on identity and historical trauma.
  • Uses folk spiritualism to provide a culturally grounded counter-narrative to Western rationalism.
  • Empowers women by placing them at the center of both the investigation and emotional journey.

Limited or Absent

  • Does not include explicit representation of LGBTQ+ or non-cisgender identities.
  • Handles psychological trauma as an atmospheric element rather than addressing it as a specific disability.
  • Depends on traditional family structures and conventional gender roles.

Official Synopsis

Wang Shicong, chairman of the famous group, died tragically at home. The prosecutor Liang Wenchao and his wife, Abang, learned during the investigation that the deceased’s long-term partner, Dr. Wan, and his ex-wife’s Son Wang Tianyou, young newlywed wife Li Yan, and even the dead ex-wife, each suspect has an intricate connection. As more clues gradually surfaced, they gradually discovered the rich. The amazing secret hidden behind the murder...

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