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Almost Heaven

Name: Almost Heaven
Director: Carol Salter
Released: 2017
Duration: 75 min

Representation Score

6.3/10

Good

2017

Director

Carol Salter

Runtime

75 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Almost Heaven serves as a cinematic exploration of intentional community, challenging Western individualistic norms. It succeeds by framing the rejection of mainstream economic participation as a purposeful pursuit of communal well-being. The film's strength lies in its deconstruction of capitalist frameworks, prioritizing collective identity over individual meritocracy. By focusing on subsistence-based living, it presents an alternative social reality that disrupts conventional expectations of productivity. While the film excels in critiquing cultural and structural norms, it lacks specific focus on individual identity politics, such as explicit LGBTQ+ arcs or detailed ethnic backgrounds, which limits its overall diversity score.

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Category Breakdown

Does Almost Heaven have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film highlights non-traditional interpersonal relationships within a communal setting. Although it doesn't feature central LGBTQ+ character arcs, it emphasizes social structures that don't follow traditional relationship hierarchies.

How does Almost Heaven portray gender?

Good

The narrative challenges conventional gender roles by presenting a communal living model. It avoids clichés of male dominance or female submission by showing shared work and collective decision-making.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Almost Heaven?

Fair

The film showcases a diverse group of individuals within an intentional community. The story focuses more on the shared beliefs of the group rather than specific ethnic backgrounds.

How does Almost Heaven represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film critiques capitalist structures by emphasizing communal living. It favors subjective morality and spiritual motivations over strict religious doctrines or mainstream market economies.

Does Almost Heaven include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no information available to evaluate the depiction of visible or invisible disabilities within the film.

Present on Screen

Effectively deconstructs capitalist frameworks by centering communal, subsistence-based living.
Disrupts traditional gender roles through shared labor and collective decision-making.
Offers a sophisticated critique of mainstream societal hierarchies and individualistic norms.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit, central LGBTQ+ character arcs to drive the narrative.
Focuses more on shared ideology than on specific ethnic or racial identity politics.
Provides insufficient evidence regarding the representation of disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Far from home, 17-year-old Ying Ling practices for her examination to become a mortician at one of China's largest funeral homes. The everyday routine of this unusual occupation also serves up both humorous and life affirming moments.

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