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Joaquim

Name: Joaquim
Director: Marcelo Gomes
Released: 2017
Duration: 97 min

Representation Score

6.2/10

Good

2017

Director

Marcelo Gomes

Runtime

97 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Joaquim is a historical drama that challenges Eurocentric clichés by focusing on a Black protagonist. It avoids including someone from a minority group without giving them real depth and uses the 18th-century setting to explore identity politics and the dismantling of colonial authority. The film links personal desires to broader critiques, highlighting the intersection of individual actions and oppressive systems. While it lacks explicit LGBTQ+ and disability narratives, it provides a strong post-colonial perspective.

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Category Breakdown

Does Joaquim have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film doesn't explicitly include LGBTQ+ identities, but the relationship between Joaquim and Blackie challenges rigid social hierarchies.

How does Joaquim portray gender?

Fair

Masculinity is shown through vulnerability and emotional connection, rather than physical strength. Joaquim's character breaks the stoic soldier stereotype by prioritizing emotional bonds and freedom.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Joaquim?

Excellent

The film centers Black characters with significant roles and complex inner lives, avoiding historical whitewashing and critiquing racialized power structures.

How does Joaquim represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film critiques Western colonial institutions and the corrupt Portuguese administration, framing revolution as a response to systemic injustice and colonial capitalism.

Does Joaquim include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no significant evidence regarding the portrayal of visible or invisible disabilities within the film's narrative.

Present on Screen

Centers Black characters with high ability to act and complex inner lives.
Subverts traditional colonial archetypes through nuanced masculinity.
Offers a sophisticated critique of Western colonial institutions.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit LGBTQ+ narratives or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.
No visible or invisible disability representation.

Official Synopsis

Brazil, 18th century. The colony of Portugal endures a decline in gold production. A Portuguese minority rules over a corrupt and autocratic society. Joaquim is an efficient soldier, famous for capturing gold smugglers. While waiting for his promotion to Lieutenant, he leaves for a risky mission in search of new gold mines - the only way to buy the freedom of Blackie, a slave he is in love with. Inspired by the true story of Tiradentes, the first leader of the Brazilian revolutionary movement.

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