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The Story of Christmas

Name: The Story of Christmas
Director: Henri Heidsieck
Released: 1994
Duration: 47 min

Representation Score

1.7/10

Minimal

1994

Director

Henri Heidsieck

Runtime

47 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Story of Christmas is a didactic animation that reinforces established religious and cultural hierarchies. It celebrates historical religious archetypes while lacking modern, diverse perspectives. The narrative structure favors traditionalist storytelling, focusing on the birth of Jesus and the protection of the Holy Family through the eyes of an ox and a donkey. Because the film aims to uphold religious orthodoxy, it lacks intentional multi-layered storytelling. Ultimately, the film operates within a narrow framework favoring classical, dogmatic morality.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Story of Christmas have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows a traditional Nativity retelling without depicting LGBTQ+ identities or same-sex intimacy. It adheres to a framework that assumes everyone is straight and cisgender.

How does The Story of Christmas portray gender?

Limited

Power dynamics center around patriarchal structures like King Herod's authority. The narrative stays within conventional gender roles of the time.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Story of Christmas?

Fair

The Middle Eastern setting avoids a homogenous Western cast. However, the film relies on traditional religious iconography without offering nuanced ethnic depth or character's ability to drive the story.

How does The Story of Christmas represent religion and culture?

Minimal

This production upholds Christian morality and Western religious traditions. It emphasizes the sanctity of the traditional family unit and religious orthodoxy.

Does The Story of Christmas include disability representation?

Minimal

The story centers on biblical figures and animal witnesses. There is no depiction of characters with physical or neurodivergent conditions.

Present on Screen

The Middle Eastern setting naturally avoids a purely Western or Anglo-Saxon cast.
The film provides a clear, focused retelling of a foundational religious narrative.

Limited or Absent

The narrative lacks nuanced ethnic depth, relying instead on traditional religious iconography.
The film adheres to rigid patriarchal structures and conventional gender roles.
There is no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth characters.
The story does not include characters with disabilities or neurodivergent traits.

Official Synopsis

The story of the birth of Jesus, the anger of king Herod, the flight into Egypt and Herod's attempt at killing Jesus is seen through the eyes of a donkey and an ox who witness the birth and do what they can to protect the child.

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