You are here:

Race

Name: Race
Director: Stephen Hopkins
Released: 2016
Duration: 134 min

Representation Score

3.7/10

Limited

2016

PG-13

Director

Stephen Hopkins

Runtime

134 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Race is a powerful historical drama that centers on Black ability to act within a global struggle against supremacy. It effectively deconstructs the intersection of athletic excellence and systemic oppression, highlighting the dual pressures of Nazi Germany and the Jim Crow United States. Despite its sophisticated critique of institutional racism, the film remains constrained by traditional storytelling structures. Gender dynamics are largely conventional, with female characters primarily supporting rather than driving the main conflict. The lack of LGBTQ+ representation and disability-focused narratives limits the overall score, even with the film's profound and nuanced handling of racial and cultural identity.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Race have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or narratives. It focuses solely on the protagonist's heterosexual life and the racial issues of the 1930s.

How does Race portray gender?

Fair

Trudy Owens offers a significant perspective that contrasts with the systemic pressures Jesse faces. However, the film upholds traditional hierarchies, giving most narrative ability to act to the male lead.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Race?

Excellent

The film stands out by focusing on a Black protagonist amidst the backdrop of white supremacy. It provides a nuanced look at both Nazi ideology and American Jim Crow laws.

How does Race represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The narrative highlights the failures of Western institutions and the exclusionary nature of 1930s American structures. It portrays the struggle as an individual identity versus corrupt state ideologies.

Does Race include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no significant depictions of physical or neurodivergent disabilities. No characters use disability as a central narrative driver.

Present on Screen

Exceptional portrayal of racial ability to act and navigating systemic oppression.
Sophisticated critique of both Nazi Aryan supremacy and American segregation.
Meaningful character depth provided to Trudy Owens as a counter-perspective.

Limited or Absent

Lack of representation for LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight-centered narratives.
Adherence to traditional gender hierarchies where female roles remain largely supportive.
Absence of characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Based on the story of Jesse Owens, the athlete whose quest to become the greatest track and field athlete in history thrusts him onto the world stage of the 1936 Olympics, where he faces off against Adolf Hitler's vision of Aryan supremacy.

How are these scores produced? →