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Alakazam the Great!

Name: Alakazam the Great!
Director: Daisaku Shirakawa, Taiji Yabushita
Released: 1960
Duration: 88 min

Representation Score

1.9/10

Minimal

1960

Not Rated

Director

Daisaku Shirakawa, Taiji Yabushita

Runtime

88 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Alakazam the Great! is a cornerstone of Japanese animation that draws heavily from classical East Asian folklore. Its strength lies in its departure from Western mythological traditions by focusing on the Saiyūki mythos. However, the film remains tied to traditional hierarchies. The narrative is driven by male characters and follows a moral structure centered around atonement to divine powers, which limits its appeal to modern audiences seeking diverse representation. While it offers cultural diversity through its setting, it lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities and neurodivergent or physical disabilities.

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Category Breakdown

Does Alakazam the Great! have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or stories. It sticks to traditional mythological structures without challenging the idea that everyone is assumed to be straight or cisgender.

How does Alakazam the Great! portray gender?

Limited

The story revolves around male characters, particularly the Monkey King and a divine Prince. Women play less of a driving role in the adventure.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Alakazam the Great!?

Fair

By adapting the East Asian classic Journey to the West, the film avoids Western-centric themes. It includes various non-human species like demons and monsters.

How does Alakazam the Great! represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story explores the conflict between personal rebellion and divine authority. The mission emphasizes atonement and service to a divine figure.

Does Alakazam the Great! include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no depiction of physical or neurodivergent disabilities within the story.

Present on Screen

The film centers on East Asian mythology, providing a much-needed departure from Western-centric animation clichés.
The inclusion of diverse non-human species adds a layer of fantasy-based variety to the world.

Limited or Absent

The narrative heavily relies on male-centric protagonists and traditional divine hierarchies.
There is a lack of representation for LGBTQ+ identities and neurodivergent or physical disabilities.

Official Synopsis

A monkey king who learns the secrets of magic goes on a spree and causes no end of aggravation for the gods, who finally imprison him. In order to make up for all the trouble he's caused, he is sent on a mission to accompany a prince who is the son of the gods on a journey through a land filled with dangers, monsters, cannibals and demons.

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