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Quite Ordinary

Name: Quite Ordinary
Director: Masaki Takahashi
Released: 2012
Duration: 16 min

Representation Score

5.1/10

Fair

2012

Director

Masaki Takahashi

Runtime

16 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Quite Ordinary succeeds by placing queer identity at the forefront of its narrative. Through the story of a gay teacher's romantic struggles, the film delves into genuine emotional complexity and challenges traditional masculine roles. However, the film's impact is constrained by its narrow demographic focus. The story heavily emphasizes male-to-male relationships, resulting in limited gender diversity and a lack of women's ability to drive the story in the main storyline. Ultimately, while the film offers a meaningful exploration of underrepresented romantic experiences, its localized setting and singular focus on male perspectives limit its broader representation.

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Category Breakdown

Does Quite Ordinary have LGBTQ+ representation?

Excellent

The film focuses on the experiences of gay men, exploring the emotional turmoil of unrequited love and challenging traditional comedic stereotypes centered around heterosexual relationships.

How does Quite Ordinary portray gender?

Fair

The story primarily revolves around male characters, with a noticeable absence of female characters having significant influence or ability to act in the main conflicts.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Quite Ordinary?

Fair

As a Japanese production, the film operates within a specific cultural context. It does not feature diverse casting or blend different racial backgrounds.

How does Quite Ordinary represent religion and culture?

Good

The story critiques traditional social structures by highlighting characters who do not conform to societal norms. It presents a more nuanced view of family and social life, moving away from idealized representations.

Does Quite Ordinary include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no disabilities that play a significant role in the narrative or define the main characters.

Present on Screen

Strong LGBTQ+ presence that centers queer identity rather than treating it as a token.
Effective dismantling of traditional social roles and rigid institutional norms.
In-depth exploration of complex, non-idealized emotional realities within the gay community.

Limited or Absent

Need for more gender diversity and female involvement in the main narrative.
Limited characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity regarding race and multi-ethnic casting.
Narrow focus on male-centric dynamics that limits the scope of social critique.

Official Synopsis

Tamotsu Nirasaki is a gay high-school teacher who can't get laid.One day, he finds out one of his pupils, Yu Shiotsu, is also gay. "Can I finally become happy?" Nirasaki asks himself, but it turns out Shiotsu is in love with the top student of the class. As Nirasaki gets depressed that he doesn't have a chance from the start, he makes Shiotsu confess his love to the other student, and tries to take advantage of his failure.

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