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Grass: A Nation's Battle for Life

Grass: A Nation's Battle for Life

Representation Score

2.7/10

Limited

1925

Passed

Director

Ernest B. Schoedsack, Merian C. Cooper

Runtime

71 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Grass: A Nation's Battle for Life is a landmark ethnographic documentary that provides important visibility to a non-Western community. By focusing on the Bakhtiari tribe of Persia, the film deviates from the era's typical focus on Anglo-Saxon subjects. However, the film adheres to the traditional social hierarchies and gender divisions of the 1920s. It lacks diverse representation, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ identities or disability. Ultimately, the film is a study of survival and communal rhythm, offering a unique historical perspective on indigenous life despite the limitations of early 20th-century filmmaking.

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Category Breakdown

Does Grass: A Nation's Battle for Life have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not depict any non-cisgender identities or same-sex relationships. It focuses solely on the seasonal migration and survival of the Bakhtiari tribe.

How does Grass: A Nation's Battle for Life portray gender?

Limited

The film portrays traditional social structures and gender roles typical of pastoralist societies. It does not show any subverted gender roles or non-traditional masculinity.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Grass: A Nation's Battle for Life?

Good

The film centers on the Bakhtiari tribe, providing significant attention to their lived experiences and survival struggles. It highlights a non-Western, non-Anglo-Saxon majority.

How does Grass: A Nation's Battle for Life represent religion and culture?

Good

The film emphasizes the spiritual and social rhythms of a pastoralist society, showcasing indigenous rituals and socioeconomic structures independent of Western frameworks.

Does Grass: A Nation's Battle for Life include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not depict any visible or invisible disabilities. It focuses on the collective movement and physical endurance of the tribe and their herds.

Present on Screen

  • Provides significant attention to a non-Western, non-Anglo-Saxon majority.
  • Highlights the spiritual and social rhythms of a pastoralist society.
  • Offers a rare historical look at the Bakhtiari tribe's seasonal migration.

Limited or Absent

  • Does not depict any LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender experiences.
  • Adheres to traditional gender hierarchies and social divisions.
  • Does not represent any visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

A silent documentary which follows a branch of the Bakhtiari tribe of Persia as they and their herds make their epic seasonal journey to better pastures.

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