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The Ivory Game

Name: The Ivory Game
Director: Kief Davidson, Richard Ladkani
Released: 2016
Duration: 112 min

Representation Score

5.6/10

Fair

2016

TV-14

Director

Kief Davidson, Richard Ladkani

Runtime

112 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Ivory Game excels as an investigative piece that shifts focus from simple nature appreciation to a complex analysis of global power dynamics. It effectively deconstructs the relationship between international demand and African resources. However, the film's narrow focus on high-stakes law enforcement and criminal networks limits representation of LGBTQ+ identities and gender diversity. Despite these limitations, the documentary compensates by moving beyond Eurocentric storytelling through its racial and cultural depth.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Ivory Game have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or stories related to non-straight identities.

How does The Ivory Game portray gender?

Fair

Women are shown in various socioeconomic contexts but do not drive the main plot. Men are primarily represented through traditional masculine roles such as investigators and criminals.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Ivory Game?

Excellent

The documentary centers on African and Asian subjects, offering a nuanced perspective on local ability to act and international demand. It highlights diverse geographic settings.

How does The Ivory Game represent religion and culture?

Good

The film critiques global capitalism and systemic corruption, examining how poverty and high-profit margins fuel the illegal trade and affect local economies.

Does The Ivory Game include disability representation?

Fair

There are no characters with visible or invisible disabilities highlighted. However, the dangerous environments have both physical and psychological impacts.

Present on Screen

Centers African and Asian subjects to disrupt Western-centric perspectives.
Offers a sophisticated critique of global capitalism and systemic corruption.
Highlights local ability to act rather than presenting a monolithic view of Africa.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight identities.
Focuses on masculine-coded investigative roles, limiting gender diversity.
Does not feature specific character arcs regarding disability or neurodivergence.

Official Synopsis

Wildlife activists and investigators put their lives on the line to battle the illegal African ivory trade, in this suspenseful on-the-ground documentary.

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