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The Earthquake

The Earthquake

Representation Score

5.8/10

Fair

2016

Director

Sarik Andreasyan

Runtime

101 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The Earthquake is a humanitarian disaster drama that prioritizes the universal experience of survival over identity-driven politics. It successfully presents a cross-border collaboration between Russian and Armenian characters, providing a foundation for nuanced ethnic representation. However, the film adheres to traditional dramatic structures, focusing on male-driven rescue efforts and lacking queer narratives or systemic social critiques. It functions more as a study of humanism than a deconstruction of social hierarchies.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Earthquake have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include any visible LGBTQ+ characters or stories about non-straight identities. The plot revolves around the survival of victims during a disaster.

How does The Earthquake portray gender?

Fair

The story focuses on two male protagonists who lead rescue efforts. This follows a traditional dramatic structure that emphasizes conventional masculine roles of heroism and physical labor.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Earthquake?

Good

The film achieves meaningful ethnic diversity through international cooperation. By featuring a Russian protagonist alongside an Armenian one, the movie highlights cross-cultural interaction during a crisis.

How does The Earthquake represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film operates within a framework of traditional humanism. It focuses on preserving life and community rather than critiquing religious or state-based morality.

Does The Earthquake include disability representation?

Limited

Characters with physical impairments may appear among the survivors. However, they are shown primarily as victims of the disaster and lack independent ability to act.

Present on Screen

  • Promotes cross-cultural cooperation by centering both Russian and Armenian protagonists.
  • Challenges nationalist isolationism through a shared international goal during a crisis.

Limited or Absent

  • Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight narratives.
  • Relies on conventional masculine roles for heroism and rescue efforts.
  • Does not provide characters with disabilities independent ability to act beyond their victim status.

Official Synopsis

After the devastating Spitak earthquake of December 7th, Konstantin Berezhnoy, a 50-year-old Russian, and Robert Melkonyan, a 28-year-old Armenian, work together to rescue the desperate survivors.

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