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Racing for Time

Name: Racing for Time
Director: Charles S. Dutton
Released: 2008
Duration: 83 min

Representation Score

5.9/10

Fair

2008

TV-14

Director

Charles S. Dutton

Runtime

83 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Racing for Time excels in exploring the intersection of race and gender through its diverse cast. By featuring a multi-racial track team, the film avoids including someone from a minority group without giving them real depth and instead highlights how sports can break down racial barriers among African-American, Latina, and Caucasian youth. The film gives significant roles to female characters, enabling them to navigate a traditionally male-dominated environment through sports. This focus on female empowerment helps counteract common stereotypes of victimhood. However, the film does not include explicit LGBTQ+ characters or stories centered around LGBTQ+ themes. Additionally, there is no depiction of characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

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Category Breakdown

Does Racing for Time have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not include explicit LGBTQ+ characters or stories centered around LGBTQ+ experiences. The plot mainly explores racial and social issues within a correctional facility.

How does Racing for Time portray gender?

Fair

The story highlights female teenagers who take charge of their own rehabilitation through sports. These young women play a significant role in driving the narrative forward.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Racing for Time?

Excellent

The film showcases a diverse cast of young athletes from various racial backgrounds, including African-American, Latina, and Caucasian youth. They work together to challenge racial divisions.

How does Racing for Time represent religion and culture?

Good

The movie examines the correctional system as a place where racial tensions are prevalent. It emphasizes the importance of individual empowerment against institutional failures.

Does Racing for Time include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not depict any characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Present on Screen

Highlights multi-racial cohesion and challenges to racial hierarchies through sports.
Empowers female characters with significant roles in driving the narrative.
Critiques systemic institutional failures and racial tensions.

Limited or Absent

Does not include explicit LGBTQ+ characters or narratives.
Does not feature any characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Cleveland 'Stack' Stackhouse is a guard with the Texas Correctional Youth Authority who witnesses the cycle of destructive choices and racial tensions among female teen offenders and decides to do something about it. He gathers African-American, Latina and Caucasian teens, and organizes a multi-racial track team behind the bars of the prison. Participation in Stack's track team not only breaks down the racial divides between the girls, but puts them on a path to turn their lives around.

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