You are here:

Buffalo Boys

Name: Buffalo Boys
Director: Mike Wiluan
Released: 2018
Duration: 103 min

Representation Score

3.3/10

Limited

2018

TV-MA

Director

Mike Wiluan

Runtime

103 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Buffalo Boys is a powerful post-colonial reclamation that uses Western genre clichés to dismantle the myth of European dominance. By centering Indonesian resistance against Dutch colonial rule, the film successfully shifts the perspective from the colonizer to the colonized. However, the film's impact is limited by a narrow focus on masculine archetypes. The narrative relies heavily on patriarchal duty and martial prowess, leaving little room for diverse gender expressions or LGBTQ+ identities. Ultimately, the film is a striking example of ethnic empowerment. While it lacks breadth in gender and disability representation, its commitment to historical reclamation and indigenous ability to act makes it a significant cinematic statement.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Buffalo Boys have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses solely on masculine bonds and patriarchal lineage. There are no LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight relationships represented.

How does Buffalo Boys portray gender?

Limited

The movie adheres to a traditional combat structure centered around masculinity. Male protagonists almost exclusively drive the plot, reinforcing conventional gender roles of the time.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Buffalo Boys?

Excellent

The film excels by highlighting Indonesian identities against European dominance. It prioritizes the ability to act of non-Anglo-Saxon protagonists to challenge standard Western hero clichés.

How does Buffalo Boys represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The story critiques Western colonialism by framing rebellion against Dutch forces as a just fight for justice.

Does Buffalo Boys include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no significant characters with visible or invisible disabilities that serve as central narrative drivers.

Present on Screen

Strong centering of indigenous Indonesian identities and ability to act.
Effective deconstruction of Western colonial authority and power dynamics.
Provides a meaningful critique of institutionalized Western expansionism.

Limited or Absent

Lack of representation for LGBTQ+ identities and relationship structures.
Minimal ability to act provided to female characters within the narrative.
Absence of characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Betrayed by the Dutch colonial forces, Arana manages to escape along with his nephews Jamar and Suwo, the newborn sons of Hamza, one of the last Indonesian sultans fighting against foreign tyranny. In 1860, after wandering for years on the plains of the American Wild West, Arana and the two brothers return to Indonesia to avenge their dead loved ones and punish the evil man who caused their misfortune.

How are these scores produced? →