You are here:

We Were Just Playing

Name: We Were Just Playing
Director: Ann-Kristin Reyels
Released: 2018
Duration: 86 min

Representation Score

6.4/10

Good

2018

Director

Ann-Kristin Reyels

Runtime

86 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The film provides a nuanced look at contemporary European social dynamics by focusing on the intersection of migration and youth identity. By highlighting Miro's Ukrainian background, the story moves beyond a single national perspective to include the complexities of the migrant experience. Additionally, the film deconstructs traditional masculinity. Instead of relying on aggressive archetypes, it emphasizes the emotional depth and vulnerability of its young male characters. This approach adds significant nuance to the portrayal of boyhood. While the film offers strong cultural and ethnic perspectives, it lacks specific representation regarding disability. The exploration of LGBTQ+ themes remains subtle and centered on emotional intimacy rather than explicit labels.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does We Were Just Playing have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film explores a close, emotional bond between two young males, leaving the nature of their relationship undefined but emphasizing their intimate connection and emotional closeness.

How does We Were Just Playing portray gender?

Good

The story challenges traditional masculine stereotypes by highlighting the vulnerability and emotional depth of its young male characters, moving away from tough stoicism to focus on feelings and emotions.

How racially and ethnically diverse is We Were Just Playing?

Good

The film strengthens representation by featuring Miro, a Ukrainian boy living near the German-Czech border. His presence introduces a migrant perspective that challenges a uniform view of Europe.

How does We Were Just Playing represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative examines the impact of geopolitical borders on personal ability to act and family stability. It uses the tension of border regions to explore how shifting social structures affect individuals.

Does We Were Just Playing include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no evidence within the narrative regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Present on Screen

Inclusion of a migrant perspective through the character of Miro.
Subversion of traditional masculine stereotypes in favor of emotional complexity.
Exploration of displacement and the impact of geopolitical borders on individuals.

Limited or Absent

Lack of visible representation regarding physical or neurodivergent disabilities.
LGBTQ+ themes remain somewhat ambiguous rather than explicitly defined.

Official Synopsis

Two boys from different worlds. Of all possible times, the start of summer vacation is when 10-year-old Jona has to move away from Berlin to the German-Czech border with his mother and new stepfather. He's lonely and angry as he inspects his new surroundings. Across the border, he meets Miro, a 13-year-old Ukrainian boy. Jona is fascinated by the confident but taciturn boy, only slowly discovering the fate that's hidden behind Miro's grown-up façade.

How are these scores produced? →