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Under the Dog

Name: Under the Dog
Director: Masahiro Ando
Released: 2016
Duration: 38 min

Representation Score

8.3/10

Excellent

2016

Director

Masahiro Ando

Runtime

38 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Under the Dog successfully challenges traditional gender roles by placing a woman in a position of extreme tactical skill. The setting of Neo Tokyo and the inclusion of international characters like Anthea Kallenberg create a diverse backdrop that avoids ethnic uniformity. However, the film falls short in representing disability authentically. While 'special abilities' may suggest neurodivergence, they are primarily used as plot devices for action sequences. Additionally, the lack of explicit LGBTQ+ identities among the main characters limits the narrative's inclusivity. Ultimately, the film excels in its critique of institutional power, presenting global governance as a corrupt, coercive force that transcends simplistic sci-fi themes.

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Category Breakdown

Does Under the Dog have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The main characters' sexual orientations and gender identities are not explicitly addressed. The story focuses on survival and identity within a high-stakes geopolitical environment.

How does Under the Dog portray gender?

Good

The film challenges traditional gender roles by focusing on Anthea Kallenberg, a female protagonist in a high-intensity combat role. Her strong presence and competence defy typical stereotypes of female passivity.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Under the Dog?

Fair

Neo Tokyo showcases a diverse population, including a Swedish national in a predominantly Japanese setting. The involvement of the United Nations suggests a globally integrated framework.

How does Under the Dog represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The story sharply critiques global institutions, depicting the United Nations as a predatory entity. It highlights the individual's struggle against a dehumanizing, corrupt system.

Does Under the Dog include disability representation?

Fair

Characters with special abilities are portrayed as exceptional but are used mainly as combat tools. These traits do not delve deeply into the lived experiences of disability.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional gender roles with a highly competent female protagonist.
Provides a cosmopolitan setting with international characters to avoid ethnic homogeneity.
Offers a sophisticated critique of institutional power and state-driven morality.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit LGBTQ+ representation among the main characters.
Uses 'special abilities' primarily as combat tools rather than nuanced disability representation.
Potential reliance on character traits as mere plot devices for action sequences.

Official Synopsis

The story takes place within Neo Tokyo in the year 2025, five years after a severe terrorist attack at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Students possessing special abilities are forced into serving an elite anti-terrorist unit created by the United Nations, fighting against threats including other ability users. If these agents fail their mission, they will be killed along with their families, who have bombs planted within their heads. One member of this covert ops unit, a Swedish girl by the name of Anthea Kallenberg, seeks to find who she really is.

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