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The Journey

Name: The Journey
Director: Kobun Shizuno
Released: 2021
Duration: 110 min

Representation Score

2.5/10

Limited

2021

Director

Kobun Shizuno

Runtime

110 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film succeeds as a culturally specific historical epic that disrupts global animation norms by centering Middle Eastern ability to act. By focusing on the defense of Mecca, it provides a meaningful departure from Western-centric fantasy clichés. However, the narrative adheres to traditional storytelling structures. It emphasizes the preservation of religious and familial institutions rather than challenging social hierarchies, which limits its progressive impact. While the racial and ethnic representation is a significant strength, the lack of gender subversion and the absence of LGBTQ+ or disability representation result in a moderate overall score.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Journey have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on traditional conflicts and family protection. There is no evidence of non-binary gender identities or narratives that critique the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does The Journey portray gender?

Fair

The story primarily attributes ability to act to male figures, specifically the protagonist Aus, in a traditional protector role. The narrative lacks evidence of female leadership or the subversion of gender hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Journey?

Good

The film centers a Middle Eastern historical setting, moving away from Western-centric perspectives. This disrupts the conventional dominance of Anglo-Saxon protagonists within the action-fantasy genre.

How does The Journey represent religion and culture?

Limited

The narrative is rooted in the protection of the Kaaba and reinforces traditional values of religious sanctity. It promotes communal loyalty rather than deconstructing religious morality.

Does The Journey include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no mention of characters with visible or invisible disabilities within the narrative context.

Present on Screen

Centers a Middle Eastern/Arabian historical setting, providing significant representation.
Disrupts the dominance of Anglo-Saxon protagonists in the fantasy and action genres.
Offers a meaningful departure from standard Western-centric cinematic norms.

Limited or Absent

Lacks evidence of female leadership or the subversion of traditional gender hierarchies.
Does not include representation of non-binary gender identities or LGBTQ+ narratives.
Provides no visible or invisible representation of characters with disabilities.

Official Synopsis

As a ruthless invader threatens to enslave their people and destroy the Kaaba, a sacred sanctuary, the people of Mecca take up arms. Only able to muster a small force against the massive army, defeat seems all but inevitable. Aus, a seemingly simple potter fighting to protect his family, is forced to reveal his dark past. Abraha's army is fast approaching, and the fate of Mecca and its people hangs in the balance. Will the people of Mecca defeat the colossal army with nothing but their simple defenses and their love for their city?

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