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The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid

Name: The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid
Director: Philip Kaufman
Released: 1972
Duration: 91 min

Representation Score

2.7/10

Limited

1972

Director

Philip Kaufman

Runtime

91 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Philip Kaufman's film steers clear of the idealized myths often found in Westerns. Instead, it provides a nuanced critique of historical power structures and systemic violence. By focusing on the Dakota Sioux, the film offers a multifaceted view of the frontier that goes beyond simple storytelling. This approach challenges traditional Western triumphalism through a post-colonial lens. However, the film's emphasis on masculine-coded warfare limits its diversity. The absence of LGBTQ+ representation and the marginal roles given to women also contribute to a moderate diversity score.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on frontier conflict and warfare that align with traditional masculinity. There are no characters representing LGBTQ+ identities or narratives addressing the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid portray gender?

Limited

The story centers around male characters and combat, reflecting the societal norms of 1862. Female characters play minor or passive roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid?

Good

The narrative challenges the typical white-hero storyline by incorporating the Dakota Sioux conflict. Using Native American actors provides a critical perspective on the settler narrative.

How does The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid represent religion and culture?

Good

The film avoids patriotic morality and instead examines broken treaties and ethical dilemmas. It critiques state-sanctioned violence and the impact of settler colonialism.

Does The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no significant characters with visible or invisible disabilities featured in the main storyline.

Present on Screen

Disrupts traditional Western clichés by incorporating the Dakota Sioux conflict into the main narrative.
Challenges traditional triumphalism by presenting the story through broken treaties and ethical complexities.
Offers a systemic critique of frontier expansion and state-sanctioned violence.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities and narratives centered on non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth characters.
Reinforces traditional gender hierarchies by focusing almost entirely on male characters and their roles.
Does not include any characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

The gangs of Jesse James and Cole Younger join forces to rob the First National Bank in Northfield, Minnesota, but things do not go as planned.

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