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The Lizard

Name: The Lizard
Director: Chor Yuen
Released: 1972
Duration: 101 min

Representation Score

4.5/10

Fair

1972

Director

Chor Yuen

Runtime

101 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

This period-specific action film leverages its political undertones rather than focusing on diverse representation. It effectively uses its Shanghai setting to critique colonial power and institutional corruption. However, the film remains limited by the era's standards. Its narrative focus is heavily male-centric, and it lacks representation for LGBTQ+ identities or characters with disabilities. Ultimately, the film's diversity is highlighted by its anti-establishment themes and its portrayal of local resistance against an external occupying force.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Lizard have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film adheres to traditional genre conventions of its time and does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or narratives focused on non-straight relationships.

How does The Lizard portray gender?

Fair

The story revolves around male characters, both heroes and villains. While the hero's journey challenges some masculine stereotypes, there is a noticeable absence of strong female roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Lizard?

Fair

Set in 1930s Shanghai, the film critiques the impact of imperialist powers. The protagonist's fight against Japanese forces emphasizes themes of ethnic sovereignty and anti-colonial resistance.

How does The Lizard represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative highlights grassroots justice over corrupt state institutions. It uses a philanthropic thief to prioritize social equity and challenge systemic hierarchies.

Does The Lizard include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not depict or utilize characters with visible or invisible disabilities as part of its storyline.

Present on Screen

Engages with anti-colonial themes by positioning the hero against occupying Japanese forces.
Provides a meaningful critique of corrupt state institutions and systemic oppression.
Subverts traditional masculine archetypes through the protagonist's character evolution.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight narratives.
Features a narrow focus on male characters with minimal female roles.
Provides no depiction of characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

He steals from the rich and gives to the poor! Like Robin Hood, the title hero of The Lizard is a philanthropic thief, except the Lizard makes his rounds in 1930s Shanghai. Corrupt police chief Chen Can (Law Lit) is assigned to bring down the Lizard to appease the sinister Japanese forces, but the Lizard constantly eludes his grasp. Little does Chen Can know that the wily thief actually works for him! The Lizard's true identity is the mousy Cheng Long (Ngok Wah), who dons a mask and takes to the streets to spread his righteous message.

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