Ex-Shaman
2018
No user ratings available yet
Representation score: 4.5 out of 10
You are here:
The Modern Jungle
Representation Score
6.4/10
Good
2016
Director
Charles Fairbanks, Saul Kak
Runtime
72 minutes
Average Rating
No ratings yetNew Showbiz Analysis
The Modern Jungle is a sophisticated documentary that disrupts the traditional Western gaze. By using the perspective of a Mexican shaman, it centers indigenous knowledge rather than treating the culture as a mere object of study. The film's primary strength lies in its critique of globalized capitalism and its refusal to follow conventional ethnographic formulas. It successfully shifts the power dynamic between the observer and the observed. However, the film lacks clarity regarding specific gender roles and LGBTQ+ representation. While the thematic framework is strong, the absence of explicit character details in these areas limits the overall score.
Category Breakdown
Does The Modern Jungle have LGBTQ+ representation?
The film does not explicitly depict LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender roles. Shamanic traditions may include gender fluidity, but there is no evidence to confirm this.
How does The Modern Jungle portray gender?
The film centers on shamanic spiritual leadership, which may challenge Western patriarchal structures. However, the specific roles and ability to act of female characters within Zoque culture are not clearly defined.
How racially and ethnically diverse is The Modern Jungle?
The documentary excels by centering Zoque culture and indigenous Mexican perspectives. It avoids treating subjects as passive objects and elevates indigenous consciousness through its unique narrative structure.
How does The Modern Jungle represent religion and culture?
The film engages deeply with anti-colonial themes. By prioritizing shamanic spirituality over Western institutional frameworks, it critiques the systemic impact of global capitalism on indigenous lands.
Does The Modern Jungle include disability representation?
There is no discernible evidence regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities within the film.
Present on Screen
- Centers Zoque culture and indigenous Mexican perspectives through a non-Western lens.
- Critiques the systemic impact of global capitalism and commodity fetishism.
- Disrupts traditional ethnographic power dynamics by prioritizing indigenous consciousness.
Limited or Absent
- Lacks explicit evidence regarding the representation of LGBTQ+ identities.
- Provides no clear information on the ability to act or presence of female characters.
- Offers no discernible portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.
Official Synopsis
A story of globalization filtered through the fever dream of a Mexican shaman, The Modern Jungle is also an intimate portrait of Zoque culture, commodity fetish, and the predicament of documentary.
Where to Watch
Find another title
Type to search for movies. Use arrow keys to navigate suggestions, Enter to select or search, Escape to close.
Similar Movies
Leviathan
2013
No user ratings available yet
Representation score: 1.9 out of 10
Song from the Forest
2014
No user ratings available yet
Representation score: 5.8 out of 10
Powaqqatsi
1988
No user ratings available yet
Representation score: 4.3 out of 10
Black Gold
2006
No user ratings available yet
Representation score: 6.1 out of 10
Lo and Behold: Reveries of the Connected World
2016
No user ratings available yet
Representation score: 5.4 out of 10
Ghostland: The View of the Ju'Hoansi
2017
No user ratings available yet
Representation score: 6.0 out of 10
Epicentro
2020
No user ratings available yet
Representation score: 6.4 out of 10
Rate this Movie
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!
Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.