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Born a King

Born a King

Representation Score

4.9/10

Fair

2019

Director

Agustí Villaronga

Runtime

103 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Born a King is a significant work that prioritizes post-colonial perspectives. It disrupts conventional historical drama expectations by centering the experiences of the colonized. The film excels in its robust racial representation and critique of Western hegemony. However, it remains tied to traditional gender and social structures, lacking any queer visibility or representation of non-traditional gender or sexual identities.

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Category Breakdown

Does Born a King have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on geopolitical and dynastic pressures without addressing non-traditional gender or sexual identities. It does not include narratives that question the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does Born a King portray gender?

Fair

The story centers on a traditional patriarchal structure focused on a male heir. Maternal figures exist but operate within established hierarchies without challenging them.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Born a King?

Excellent

The film highlights a Black African protagonist and royal court. It disrupts Western-centric views by emphasizing an indigenous perspective and featuring an all-Black cast.

How does Born a King represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The story offers a sophisticated critique of Belgian colonial administration as an oppressive force. It highlights the tension between indigenous sovereignty and European influence.

Does Born a King include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not prominently feature characters with visible or invisible disabilities that drive the narrative.

Present on Screen

  • Highlights a Black African protagonist and royal court.
  • Disrupts Western-centric lenses in colonial-era period pieces.
  • Provides a sophisticated critique of Western colonial power dynamics.

Limited or Absent

  • Lacks representation of non-traditional gender or sexual identities.
  • Maintains traditional patriarchal hierarchies and gendered leadership roles.
  • Does not feature characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

A coming-of-age story set in 1919 about 14 year old Faisal, an Arab prince who is dispatched from the deserts of Arabia to London by his warrior father, Prince Abd Al-Aziz, on a high stakes diplomatic mission to secure the formation of his country.

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