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Just A Damned Soldier

Name: Just A Damned Soldier
Director: Ferdinando Baldi
Released: 1988
Duration: 85 min

Representation Score

2.3/10

Limited

1988

Director

Ferdinando Baldi

Runtime

85 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Just A Damned Soldier is a traditional 1980s action film that uses a diverse cast primarily to fit its historical context. While the ensemble includes various nationalities, the narrative structure remains tied to conventional genre clichés. The film emphasizes established power dynamics and masculine-driven leadership. Although it avoids a monolithic cast, it does not significantly challenge social hierarchies or colonial perspectives common in Vietnam War cinema. Ultimately, the diversity in the cast serves the plot rather than an intentional exploration of complex social themes or multi-layered identities.

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Category Breakdown

Does Just A Damned Soldier have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any non-binary or LGBTQ+ characters, nor does it feature any same-sex romantic relationships. It adheres to the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender, which is typical of 1980s action cinema.

How does Just A Damned Soldier portray gender?

Limited

Female characters, such as a brothel owner and her daughter, play secondary roles. The story revolves around masculine leadership from Marines and a South Vietnamese Major.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Just A Damned Soldier?

Fair

The film includes a diverse cast with characters from Australia and South Vietnam. However, the focus on the conflict between Western and North Vietnamese forces may reinforce colonial stereotypes.

How does Just A Damned Soldier represent religion and culture?

Limited

The inclusion of a missionary couple highlights a narrative rooted in Western religious values. The film adheres to the standard 1980s themes of patriotism and duty.

Does Just A Damned Soldier include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters with physical, sensory, or neurodivergent disabilities mentioned in the film.

Present on Screen

The film features a multicultural cast, including characters from Australia, South Vietnam, and North Vietnam.

Limited or Absent

The narrative focuses on masculine leadership and secondary roles for female characters.
The plot risks reinforcing colonial stereotypes through its focus on the conflict between Western and North Vietnamese forces.
There is a lack of representation for LGBTQ+ identities and characters with disabilities.

Official Synopsis

After their mission is overrun by North Vietnamese forces, a missionary couple, their Australian guide, a South Vietnamese major, a brothel owner and her daughter all get in the mission's battered school bus and try to make their way to safety. Soon after leaving, however, their bus is commandeered by three US Marines trying to get back to their base at De Nang. To reach their destination, they must fight through most of the North Vietnamese army.

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