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The System

Name: The System
Director: Marc Bauder
Released: 2012
Duration: 85 min

Representation Score

5.1/10

Fair

2012

Director

Marc Bauder

Runtime

85 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The System is a socio-political drama that primarily explores systemic corruption and the blurred lines between criminality and institutional authority. However, the film lacks visible representation across several key identity markers. Its focus on a masculine subculture and specific German historical contexts limits its broader appeal. Despite this, the film successfully challenges institutional narratives through a narrow lens of gender and ethnicity.

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Category Breakdown

Does The System have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not explicitly address LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight relationships. Mike and Dustin's close friendship is highlighted, but their sexual orientations remain unspecified.

How does The System portray gender?

Fair

The story centers around male characters, particularly Mike's interactions within male-dominated business and intelligence circles. Female characters play minor roles and have little influence over the main plot.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The System?

Fair

The film focuses on specific German socio-political histories and GDR-era networks, emphasizing regional identity over a diverse, multicultural cast.

How does The System represent religion and culture?

Good

The film critiques institutional stability by examining shadow networks of lobbyists and former secret service agents. It provides a nuanced look at capitalist and state structures.

Does The System include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no evidence regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities within the narrative.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional Western institutional narratives and views of state stability.
Explores complex themes of moral relativism and systemic corruption.
Provides a nuanced critique of capitalist structures and corporate authority.

Limited or Absent

Lacks visible representation of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Features a heavily male-centric perspective with limited female influence.
Provides no evidence of LGBTQ+ or disability representation.

Official Synopsis

Mike is twenty, attractive, intelligent and a loner. He only shares his thoughts and an apartment in a prefabricated housing estate in Rostock with his best friend Dustin. There, on the roof with a view of the sea, they smoke their joints and sort stolen goods. Mike doesn't think beyond the next day. But everything changes when he is caught by Konrad Böhm during a break-in. The charismatic businessman introduces Mike to a parallel world of international lobbyists and former GDR secret service agents who have saved their networks for reunified Germany.

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