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Them and Us

Name: Them and Us
Director: Svend Wam
Released: 1976
Duration: 91 min

Representation Score

6.8/10

Good

1976

Director

Svend Wam

Runtime

91 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Them and Us is a raw portrayal of adolescent rebellion and the breakdown of social structures. It excels in critiquing the myth of the stable Western home and the protective role of state authority. By focusing on the trauma caused by disillusioned parents, the film provides a sharp critique of traditional hierarchies. However, the film's scope is limited by its focus on a homogeneous suburban environment, lacking diverse representation. It misses opportunities to explore racial diversity or queer identities, keeping its social commentary primarily focused on class and domestic dysfunction. Ultimately, the film succeeds as a character-driven study of young people facing systemic neglect, despite the absence of broader representative identities.

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Category Breakdown

Does Them and Us have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not include explicit LGBTQ+ characters or identities. The story centers on the relationship between two male protagonists and their daily lives.

How does Them and Us portray gender?

Fair

The film challenges traditional family dynamics by showing dysfunctional families rather than stable ones. It portrays masculine authority as a source of trauma and instability, avoiding typical patriarchal narratives.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Them and Us?

Limited

Set in 1976 Denmark, the film depicts a homogeneous suburban environment with no significant racial diversity or non-white actors.

How does Them and Us represent religion and culture?

Good

The film critiques Western institutions by portraying law enforcement as intrusive. It questions the idealized home through themes of alcoholism and abuse.

Does Them and Us include disability representation?

Fair

While there are no specific physical disabilities mentioned, the film addresses mental health issues such as alcoholism and the psychological impact of an abusive household.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional views of the home as a safe haven.
Critiques state authority and law enforcement as invasive.
Subverts the cliché of the stable, authoritative father through abuse.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ characters or identities.
Shows a lack of racial and ethnic diversity within its suburban setting.
Does not provide central roles to characters with visible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Lasse & Geir, two suburban boys in their late teens, kick up a row on the bus into town, making the driver call the police. They get arrested and have to spend the night in jail. The next morning they are sent home - Geir to his alcoholic mother, Lasse to his disillusioned and abusive father.

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