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The Return

Name: The Return
Director: Antun Vrdoljak
Released: 1979
Duration: 94 min

Representation Score

2.2/10

Limited

1979

Director

Antun Vrdoljak

Runtime

94 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film serves as a localized historical drama that prioritizes regional authenticity over modern characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity. It captures the specific ethnic and social textures of the Yugoslavian coastal region during World War II. However, the narrative remains tied to traditional hierarchies. While it offers a compelling study of communal solidarity and resistance against state authority, the film lacks diversity in gender and sexual orientation, adhering to the patriarchal norms of its era. Ultimately, the work focuses on local tradition and survival rather than serving as a tool for social deconstruction.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Return have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any identifiable LGBTQ+ characters or narratives. It portrays a traditional Mediterranean social structure without any queer-coded subtext.

How does The Return portray gender?

Limited

Male characters play a prominent role, especially during the siege of the police station. The film reinforces patriarchal structures and traditional gendered leadership roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Return?

Fair

The cast reflects the local Dalmatian and Croatian population, offering regional realism. It avoids whitewashing but maintains ethnic homogeneity within its specific setting.

How does The Return represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative explores the tension between communal solidarity and state authority. It prioritizes the collective over individualism, reflecting socialist-era cinematic traditions.

Does The Return include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no significant evidence regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities in this work.

Present on Screen

Provides authentic regional realism through a cast reflecting the local Dalmatian and Croatian population.
Offers a compelling study of communal solidarity and resistance against state authority.
Avoids whitewashing by maintaining high ethnic specificity to its historical setting.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight-centered narratives.
Reinforces traditional patriarchal structures by centering male characters in leadership and conflict.
Offers limited subversion of conventional gender roles within the social hierarchy.

Official Synopsis

Despite the ongoing WW2, most of the people were just minding their own business. But everything changes when police arrests the group of youths under suspicion of being resistance sympathizers. Outraged townsfolk organize the siege of police station.

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