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Build a House, Plant a Tree

Name: Build a House, Plant a Tree
Director: Juraj Jakubisko
Released: 1980
Duration: 88 min

Representation Score

3.9/10

Limited

1980

Director

Juraj Jakubisko

Runtime

88 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Build a House, Plant a Tree is a character-driven drama that prioritizes the psychological deconstruction of an individual over characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity. The narrative focuses on Jozef Matúš's personal obsession and his struggle against social structures, providing depth to his moral ambiguity. However, the film remains rooted in a conventional demographic framework. It lacks visible LGBTQ+ identities and diverse racial casting, focusing instead on a localized, homogeneous Slovakian setting. The primary ability to act resides with a male figure, leaving female characters with less narrative weight. Ultimately, the film functions as a study of regional identity and individualistic struggle. While it challenges traditional social roles through the protagonist's actions, it does not actively engage with diverse identity politics or systemic inclusivity.

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Category Breakdown

Does Build a House, Plant a Tree have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include any explicit LGBTQ+ characters or narratives. The storyline revolves around the protagonist's desire to start a family, which aligns with traditional heterosexual norms.

How does Build a House, Plant a Tree portray gender?

Fair

The male protagonist, Jozef Matúš, holds a significant role in driving the story in the story. However, the film lacks detailed character arcs for females, limiting the exploration of gendered power dynamics.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Build a House, Plant a Tree?

Fair

Set in a village in eastern Slovakia, the film focuses on a specific regional and ethnic context. The narrative remains centered on a homogeneous cultural setting without multi-ethnic casting.

How does Build a House, Plant a Tree represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story explores moral relativism and the tension between individual desire and communal stability. It offers a subtle critique of social contracts through the protagonist's transgressions.

Does Build a House, Plant a Tree include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no mention of characters with visible or invisible disabilities. Therefore, no assessment can be made regarding representation in this category.

Present on Screen

Explores complex themes of subjective morality and the tension between individual ambition and societal expectations.
Provides a nuanced look at regional identity within a specific Eastern Slovakian context.
Challenges traditional social structures through a protagonist who operates outside standard communal contracts.

Limited or Absent

Lacks visible representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight-centered narratives.
Concentrates narrative ability to act heavily on the male protagonist, limiting female character development.
Maintains a homogeneous cultural setting without multi-ethnic or diverse casting.

Official Synopsis

Juraj Jakubisko's first feature film after a forced nine-year-long break is a story about an unconventional man, Jozef Matúš. He arrives to a small village in eastern Slovakia to settle down and start a family. He is ready to subordinate everything to his goal. It all starts with stealing building material and ends with him disregarding those close to him to a point where his ambitions are turning against him. Build a House, Plant a Tree is a viewer-friendly film with a plot resembling a western, including several attractive action sequences.

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