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King of the Belgians

Name: King of the Belgians
Director: Peter Brosens, Jessica Hope Woodworth
Released: 2016
Duration: 94 min

Representation Score

4.4/10

Fair

2016

Director

Peter Brosens, Jessica Hope Woodworth

Runtime

94 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

King of the Belgians is a sophisticated piece of post-colonial cinema that prioritizes the deconstruction of Western hegemony. It succeeds by refusing to romanticize the colonial era, instead exposing the inherent violence of imperialist capitalism. The film's primary strength lies in its rigorous critique of systemic oppression. By centering the impact of imperialist structures on non-white populations, it moves far beyond including someone from a minority group without giving them real depth to address historical power dynamics. However, the film lacks representation in several key areas. There is no visible focus on LGBTQ+ identities or disability, which limits its scope of social exploration despite its thematic depth.

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Category Breakdown

Does King of the Belgians have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or explore non-straight relationships. The focus remains on geopolitical and colonial issues.

How does King of the Belgians portray gender?

Fair

The film provides a nuanced look at gendered experiences within a colonial context. It avoids traditional heroic clichés, focusing instead on the social constraints and vulnerabilities faced by the female protagonist.

How racially and ethnically diverse is King of the Belgians?

Excellent

The narrative excels by highlighting the brutal realities of the Belgian Congo. It contrasts the colonizers with the Congolese subjects to critique systemic dehumanization and imperialist exploitation.

How does King of the Belgians represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film offers a profound critique of Western institutionalism and the 'civilizing mission.' It portrays colonial administration as a mechanism of state-sanctioned violence and economic exploitation.

Does King of the Belgians include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no significant evidence regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities within the film's narrative.

Present on Screen

Provides a powerful, non-shallowly inclusive critique of racial dynamics and colonial exploitation.
Dismantles Western myths of moral superiority through a lens of anti-colonialism.
Offers a nuanced portrayal of gendered vulnerabilities within colonial structures.

Limited or Absent

Lacks any representation or exploration of LGBTQ+ identities.
Provides no significant focus on physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

The King of the Belgians is on a state visit in Istanbul when his country falls apart. He must return home at once to save his kingdom. But a solar storm causes airspace and communications to shut down. No planes. No phones. With the help of a British filmmaker and a troupe of Bulgarian folk singers, the King and his entourage manage to escape over the border. Incognito. Thus begins an odyssey across the Balkans during which the King discovers the real world - and himself.

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