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Three Wise Cousins

Name: Three Wise Cousins
Director: Stallone Vaiaoga-Ioasa
Released: 2016
Duration: 89 min

Representation Score

4.2/10

Fair

2016

PG-13

Director

Stallone Vaiaoga-Ioasa

Runtime

89 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Three Wise Cousins is a culturally specific comedy that centers a non-Western perspective. It effectively challenges the dominance of Western identity by framing the reclaiming of indigenous heritage as a journey of self-discovery. The film's primary strength lies in its disruption of the 'civilized Westerner' stereotype. By portraying the protagonist's Westernized ways as a deficit, the story validates Pacific Islander traditions and communal knowledge. However, the film remains limited in its scope of representation. It adheres to traditional romantic and kinship structures, lacking engagement with LGBTQ+ or disability issues.

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Category Breakdown

Does Three Wise Cousins have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on traditional heterosexual relationships and family ties. It does not include any representation of non-straight or non-cisgender identities.

How does Three Wise Cousins portray gender?

Fair

The story is driven by a male character, while the female character serves as a catalyst for his personal development. The plot relies on conventional romantic clichés.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Three Wise Cousins?

Excellent

The film excels by highlighting Pacific Islander identities. It challenges Hollywood stereotypes by presenting Samoan traditions as the core standard for authenticity.

How does Three Wise Cousins represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The narrative prioritizes indigenous knowledge over Western assimilation. It emphasizes communal wisdom and collective identity over individualism.

Does Three Wise Cousins include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no information about the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities in this story.

Present on Screen

Highlights Pacific Islander identities and indigenous traditions.
Challenges Western-centric storytelling by emphasizing non-Western cultural knowledge.
Frames cultural reclamation as a meaningful journey of self-discovery.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender perspectives.
Relies on conventional romantic clichés and traditional structures.
Provides no information regarding disability representation.

Official Synopsis

Adam is a 22 year old New Zealand born Samoan guy who falls for Mary. On a 'chance' encounter he learns that Mary only wants to go out with a 'real island guy' - not a plastic one. Adam realizes that to get rid of his 'plastic' ways and impress Mary, he'll have to travel to Samoa and have his cousins teach him how to be a real island guy. Three Wise Cousins is a feature length comedy, that will have you laughing from start to end; it's a film unlike any other that will surprise you with it's endless amount of 'wisdom'.

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