You are here:

Westward Desperado

Name: Westward Desperado
Director: Kihachi Okamoto
Released: 1960
Duration: 107 min

Representation Score

1.2/10

Minimal

1960

Director

Kihachi Okamoto

Runtime

107 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Westward Desperado is a traditional period drama that upholds mid-20th-century social and nationalistic ideals. Set during wartime, the film affirms values of patriotism and military discipline without questioning them. The narrative focuses on institutional loyalty and the recovery of a national symbol through intense action.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Westward Desperado have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows the traditional social norms of the 1960s and does not include any non-straight or non-cisgender identities or stories involving same-sex relationships.

How does Westward Desperado portray gender?

Limited

The story centers around a male-dominated military unit, emphasizing masculine bravery and traditional leadership roles. It lacks strong female characters and challenges to traditional power structures.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Westward Desperado?

Limited

The film focuses on the Japanese military during a conflict in China. It portrays the enemy using wartime stereotypes rather than showing nuanced ethnic diversity.

How does Westward Desperado represent religion and culture?

Minimal

The plot emphasizes patriotism and the recovery of a national symbol. Military loyalty and honor are presented as key elements of identity.

Does Westward Desperado include disability representation?

Minimal

The film highlights the physical demands of military service. There are no characters dealing with physical or cognitive disabilities.

Present on Screen

The film offers a clear, high-tension look at military camaraderie and national duty.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks gender diversity, focusing almost entirely on a male-dominated military structure.
Portrayals of ethnic groups rely on wartime stereotypes rather than nuanced representation.
The story lacks multi-layered complexity or challenges to traditional social structures.

Official Synopsis

In this patriotic WW II drama, the Japanese army demonstrates its courage and willingness to do anything to win as they endeavor to sneak into Communist China to bring back the flag of a defeated enemy regiment.

How are these scores produced? →