You are here:

Always

Name: Always
Director: Steven Spielberg
Released: 1989
Duration: 122 min

Representation Score

2.7/10

Limited

1989

Director

Steven Spielberg

Runtime

122 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The film is a classic romantic fantasy that prioritizes the 'eternal love' motif over the exploration of multiple aspects of identity. It adheres to the established cinematic structures of the late 1980s, focusing on individual emotional journeys. The film relies on traditional storytelling clichés and conventional romantic structures. While it offers a deep look at grief and the human spirit, it does not seek to disrupt social hierarchies or address systemic diversity. Ultimately, the film functions as a sentimental drama. It centers on a homogeneous cast and a narrative structure that favors classical Hollywood norms over modern inclusive representation.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Always have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film focuses on a traditional romantic storyline centered around a deceased pilot and his former partner. It does not explore identities beyond the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does Always portray gender?

Fair

The female protagonist is a key emotional figure through her resilience and grief. However, the plot is mainly driven by the professional and spiritual pursuits of the male characters.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Always?

Limited

The cast is predominantly homogeneous, lacking significant racial or ethnic diversity. The narrative does not use metaphors or diverse casting to address non-Anglo-Saxon identities.

How does Always represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story explores spirituality and the afterlife through a sentimental lens. It emphasizes the sanctity of romantic bonds rather than critiquing Western religious or family institutions.

Does Always include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no evidence of prominent character arcs involving physical or neurodivergent disabilities. The narrative does not provide enough information to assess this category.

Present on Screen

The film provides a strong emotional exploration of grief and the continuity of the human spirit.
The female protagonist offers a compelling portrayal of emotional resilience and strength.

Limited or Absent

The narrative lacks racial and ethnic diversity, featuring a largely homogeneous cast.
The plot remains tethered to traditional gender hierarchies and conventional romantic structures.
There is a lack of representation for LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender narratives.

Official Synopsis

The spirit of a recently deceased expert pilot mentors a newer pilot while watching him fall in love with the girlfriend that he left behind.

How are these scores produced? →