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The Last Shaman

Name: The Last Shaman
Director: Raz Degan
Released: 2017
Duration: 83 min

Representation Score

8.0/10

Excellent

2017

Director

Raz Degan

Runtime

83 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Last Shaman is a powerful piece of ethnographic cinema that prioritizes the survival of indigenous cultural memory. It succeeds by challenging Western-centric narratives and validating localized, spiritual ways of being against the encroachment of modern capitalism. However, the film's scope is narrow. The narrative architecture is heavily centered on a singular male experience, which limits the breadth of gender and LGBTQ+ representation within the story.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Last Shaman have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film focuses on the protagonist's existential journey and Sardinian traditions. There are no explicit LGBTQ+ character arcs or narratives addressing the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does The Last Shaman portray gender?

Fair

The narrative centers on a male protagonist's spiritual crisis. It lacks a significant focus on women's ability to drive the story or the subversion of traditional gendered roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Last Shaman?

Excellent

The documentary excels by centering Nuragic culture and indigenous Sardinian identities. It challenges modern European homogeneity by highlighting specific, localized ethnic nuances.

How does The Last Shaman represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film critiques globalization by prioritizing traditional spirituality over modern institutions. It frames the tension between ancient shamanic practices and Western consumerist norms.

Does The Last Shaman include disability representation?

Good

The film explores mental health through the protagonist's psychological crisis. It treats his search for spiritual salvation with depth rather than mere spectacle.

Present on Screen

Strong focus on preserving Nuragic culture and indigenous Sardinian identities.
Effective critique of how globalization and capitalism threaten traditional ways of life.
Deep, respectful exploration of mental health and existential crisis.

Limited or Absent

Lack of diverse gender perspectives or significant women's ability to drive the story.
Minimal representation of LGBTQ+ narratives or identities.
Heavy narrative centering on a single male protagonist's journey.

Official Synopsis

James, giving himself 12 months before he has "a license to kill himself," sets off to the Amazon rainforest with hopes of finding a shaman who can save his life.

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