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The Borrowers

Name: The Borrowers
Director: Tom Harper
Released: 2011
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

1.4/10

Minimal

2011

Not Rated

Director

Tom Harper

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The film operates as a traditional family adventure that emphasizes genre clichés over progressive representation. It relies heavily on conventional social structures and a homogeneous cast, reinforcing established demographic norms without challenging them. While the story offers a whimsical look at survival, it lacks any significant disruption of identity-based hierarchies. The narrative remains centered on a standard nuclear family model and a Western-centric worldview.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Borrowers have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters and focuses solely on heterosexual relationships within traditional family structures.

How does The Borrowers portray gender?

Fair

Female characters play crucial roles in survival but do not challenge traditional gender hierarchies. The leadership dynamics within the Clock family adhere to conventional domestic roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Borrowers?

Limited

The casting is primarily white, with a lack of ethnic diversity among the main characters. The film does not incorporate diverse cultural perspectives into its core storyline.

How does The Borrowers represent religion and culture?

Limited

The narrative follows a conventional Western perspective, maintaining a neutral stance towards Western institutions and middle-class social norms.

Does The Borrowers include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not depict any characters with physical, sensory, or neurodivergent disabilities. Characters are portrayed as physically capable and able to handle adventurous situations.

Present on Screen

Female characters exhibit necessary ability to act to navigate high-stakes survival scenarios.
The film provides a stable, cohesive narrative focused on familial survival and resourcefulness.

Limited or Absent

The casting lacks ethnic diversity, resulting in a predominantly white ensemble.
The film fails to include LGBTQ+ characters or explore non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.
There is a complete absence of representation for physical or neurodivergent disabilities.
Gender roles and leadership dynamics follow traditional, unexamined domestic archetypes.

Official Synopsis

Family adventure based on Mary Norton's classic children's books about a race of tiny people who live under the floorboards, resourcefully surviving by borrowing bits and pieces from the large residents who dwell above. After being discovered by 'human beans', borrower Arrietty and her parents are forced to leave their home while attempting to evade the clutches of obsessive scientist Professor Mildeye.

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