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Practical Joke

Name: Practical Joke
Director: Vladimir Menshov
Released: 1977
Duration: 96 min

Representation Score

1.9/10

Minimal

1977

Director

Vladimir Menshov

Runtime

96 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Practical Joke is a character-driven social drama that emphasizes moral philosophy over demographic diversity. It focuses on the ethical dilemmas and the breakdown of peer cohesion within a Soviet educational environment. While the film challenges the idealized student-teacher relationship through themes of deception and revenge, it adheres to the social hierarchies and demographic norms of its time. It does not incorporate multi-layered identity frameworks. Ultimately, the film concentrates on individual ability to act within a rigid social structure rather than promoting diverse representation.

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Category Breakdown

Does Practical Joke have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any characters with LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender identities. The story focuses solely on the dynamics between students and teachers.

How does Practical Joke portray gender?

Fair

A female teacher is a key authority figure, which is somewhat unusual. However, the main conflict revolves around student actions and social manipulation.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Practical Joke?

Limited

The cast reflects the homogeneous demographics typical of a Soviet-era production. There is no evidence of diverse racial or ethnic representation within the school setting.

How does Practical Joke represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story delves into moral relativism and the tension between collective behavior and individual conscience. It looks at the flaws in social structures through a realistic lens.

Does Practical Joke include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters with physical, sensory, or neurodivergent disabilities in this production.

Present on Screen

Features a female teacher in a central position of authority.
Explores complex themes of moral relativism and individual integrity.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender characters.
Reflects the demographic homogeneity of its specific historical and geographic context.
Provides no visible representation of characters with disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Secondary school students play a 'practical joke' on their teacher: on midterms day, they claim she told them the wrong date. She almost believes them, but an honest classmate ruins their fun... and now they want revenge.

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