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Latitude Zero

Name: Latitude Zero
Director: Ishirō Honda
Released: 1969
Duration: 105 min

Representation Score

3.4/10

Limited

1969

Director

Ishirō Honda

Runtime

105 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Latitude Zero is a mid-century science fiction adventure that emphasizes genre excitement and traditional heroism over exploring multiple aspects of identity. The story relies on a straightforward moral conflict between scientific advancement and authoritarian control. Although the international co-production includes a diverse cast, the film does not use this diversity to challenge broader social hierarchies. Instead, it follows the social norms and leadership models typical of its time. Overall, the film serves as a classic adventure, focusing on the quest for scientific immunity without delving into modern ideas of identity or social critique.

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Category Breakdown

Does Latitude Zero have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or explore non-straight relationships. It stays within the traditional social dynamics of the mid-20th century.

How does Latitude Zero portray gender?

Limited

Men like Captain McKenzie play key roles in the story. Women are present but mostly serve in supporting roles that reinforce traditional gender power structures.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Latitude Zero?

Fair

The film features a diverse cast of Japanese and Western actors. However, the story uses this diversity for a globalized look rather than challenging racial hierarchies.

How does Latitude Zero represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story focuses on a utopian society isolated from the outside world. Although the setting is different from Western norms, the conflict is still a simple battle between science and dictatorship.

Does Latitude Zero include disability representation?

Minimal

The characters are shown as fully capable professionals. The film does not address physical or neurological differences in its themes.

Present on Screen

The film features a diverse cast of Japanese and Western actors.
The 'Atlantean' setting of Latitude Zero offers a unique departure from standard Western norms.

Limited or Absent

The film relies on traditional gender hierarchies where men hold most of the power.
The story does not include characters with visible or invisible disabilities.
The film does not explore LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight social dynamics.

Official Synopsis

A massive underwater volcano erupts and puts a group of investigative scientists in danger. They are rescued by an atomic super submarine named The Alpha under the command of Captain McKenzie. The group is quickly taken to a vast underwater city known as Latitude Zero, a fantastic, Atlantean type utopia, a world beneath the ocean with its own sun. It is soon discovered that Captain McKenzie is at war with the evil Dr. Malic, a cruel scientist who wishes to rule mankind all the while conducting genetic experiments on humans and animals. Malic sends his agents to kidnap Dr. Okada, a human scientist who has created a serum that can immunize exposure to radiation.

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