You are here:

The Albanian

Name: The Albanian
Director: Johannes Naber
Released: 2010
Duration: 105 min

Representation Score

3.2/10

Limited

2010

Director

Johannes Naber

Runtime

105 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The film excels as a culturally specific drama that centers a non-Western perspective, providing depth on the Albanian diaspora and the challenges of migration. However, it adheres to traditional patriarchal structures and does not challenge conventional gender or sexual norms. In essence, the film's strength lies in its disruption of Western-centric storytelling while reflecting existing gendered power dynamics.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Albanian have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The story focuses on traditional romantic relationships and family ties, with no depiction of non-straight or non-cisgender identities.

How does The Albanian portray gender?

Fair

The film portrays a traditional patriarchal structure where women's roles are limited by family expectations. Etleva plays a key role but within conventional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Albanian?

Good

The film centers an Albanian protagonist in Berlin, offering a unique perspective on the immigrant experience and disrupting typical Western-centric storylines.

How does The Albanian represent religion and culture?

Good

The story highlights the challenges faced by an undocumented migrant navigating foreign systems. It explores the clash between traditional clan honor and modern economic pressures.

Does The Albanian include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no mention of physical or neurological disabilities in the film.

Present on Screen

Centers an Albanian protagonist to offer a unique perspective on the immigrant experience.
Explores the nuances of the Albanian diaspora and the systemic challenges of migration.
Disrupts Western-centric storytelling by focusing on non-Western social contracts.

Limited or Absent

Maintains traditional patriarchal hierarchies without challenging them.
Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender perspectives.
Does not address physical or neurological disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Handsome Albanian villager Arben wants to marry Etleva, daughter of a neighboring clan, but her father has promised her to another man who is offering a 10,000€ bride price. But when it turns out Etleva is carrying Arben's child, the pressure is on for him to come up with the dowry before the baby is born -- and before her brothers take revenge for the dishonor he has brought their family. Fleeing to Berlin without papers, experience or knowledge of the language, Arben soon learns the ways of survival.

How are these scores produced? →