You are here:

Ransom

Name: Ransom
Released: 1928
Duration: 58 min

No Poster Available

Representation Score

0.4/10

Minimal

1928

Passed

Runtime

58 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Ransom (1928) reflects the conventions of its time, relying heavily on the 'yellow peril' stereotype prevalent in early 20th-century cinema. The narrative structure presents a binary conflict between Western scientific authority and an 'othered' criminal element. Instead of offering nuanced character development, the film uses ethnic settings as backdrops for conventional villainy. This reinforces historical racial hierarchies and positions Western institutions as the primary protectors of morality and progress. Overall, the film lacks depth in representing diverse identities. It adheres to traditional social norms that prioritize masculine authority and Western institutional values over more inclusive perspectives.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Ransom have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any characters with non-binary gender identities or LGBTQ+ orientations. The storyline revolves around scientific discoveries and criminal conspiracies set in the 1920s.

How does Ransom portray gender?

Limited

The story is driven by the male protagonist, Burton Meredith, who embodies masculine intellectual authority. The narrative emphasizes traditional gender roles by focusing on male professional dominance.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Ransom?

Minimal

The film employs the 'yellow peril' stereotype, portraying Chinatown as a hub of criminal activity. It relies on racial caricatures instead of providing nuanced depictions of Asian characters.

How does Ransom represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story upholds Western institutional authority and scientific advancements. It frames the conflict as a defense of Western stability against external threats.

Does Ransom include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters with visible or invisible disabilities in this film.

Present on Screen

The film offers a clear, high-stakes conflict centered on scientific discovery and national security.

Limited or Absent

The film relies on harmful racial caricatures and the 'yellow peril' cliché.
The narrative focuses almost exclusively on male authority and lacks women's ability to drive the story.
The story reinforces traditional Western hierarchies rather than exploring diverse perspectives.

Official Synopsis

Burton Meredith, A young, U.S. government chemist discovers a formula for a deadly gas. But Wo Fang, the evil leader of the Chinatown underground sets out to steal the secret, using very foul and foul means he knows. And Wu Fang knows them all.

How are these scores produced? →