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Amanda

Name: Amanda
Director: Bobby Roth
Released: 1996
Duration: 83 min

Representation Score

3.6/10

Limited

1996

Director

Bobby Roth

Runtime

83 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Amanda is a traditional family drama set in a rural environment. It emphasizes emotional resilience and personal growth while following established storytelling structures. The film does not challenge social hierarchies. One of the film's main strengths is its casting, which features Dennis Haysbert in a prominent role. This move breaks the historical homogeneity of the ranch and Western drama genres. However, the narrative remains conventional. It centers on traditional masculine roles and lacks broader representation of LGBTQ+ individuals and diverse cultural backgrounds.

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Category Breakdown

Does Amanda have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or stories. The plot revolves around traditional family interactions between a child, a father, and a storyteller.

How does Amanda portray gender?

Fair

The story centers on traditionally masculine roles such as the father and the storyteller. While it touches on emotional vulnerability, it adheres to conventional ideas of mentorship and masculinity.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Amanda?

Fair

Casting Dennis Haysbert adds meaningful representation in a genre typically dominated by white actors. However, the cast as a whole does not show broader systemic diversity.

How does Amanda represent religion and culture?

Limited

The film follows a traditional Western storyline focused on nature and family healing. It does not explore narratives that challenge institutional or secular norms.

Does Amanda include disability representation?

Fair

The story deals with a child's fear of horses, which may stem from psychological trauma. It is unclear whether the child has real control over managing this condition.

Present on Screen

The casting of Dennis Haysbert provides important racial representation within the historically homogeneous ranch and Western drama genres.

Limited or Absent

The narrative relies heavily on traditional masculine archetypes and conventional ideas of strength.
The film lacks LGBTQ+ representation and broader cultural or multi-layered character depth.
The portrayal of psychological trauma is unclear about whether the character has real control over managing this condition.

Official Synopsis

A small boy is hurt by a horse on his father's ranch and he refuses to even be near one ever again. When a storyteller called Seven arrives with his huge imposing horse Amanda, everything changes.

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