You are here:

Contraband

Contraband

Representation Score

2.5/10

Limited

1980

Director

Lucio Fulci

Runtime

97 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Contraband is a traditional crime thriller that emphasizes genre clichés over social critique. The narrative centers on the mechanics of smuggling and survival within a specific subculture, largely ignoring broader identity-based complexities. The film adheres to the cinematic conventions of its era, maintaining standard hierarchies. It lacks the intentionality needed to disrupt social norms or provide nuanced, characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity. Ultimately, the work serves as a visceral genre piece where character roles are defined by their involvement in criminal operations rather than diverse social perspectives.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Contraband have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender, typical of 1980s action cinema. There is no indication of non-binary gender identities or same-sex relationships.

How does Contraband portray gender?

Limited

Male characters have significant control over the plot, while women play supporting roles with little influence over the story's direction.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Contraband?

Fair

The Mediterranean cast reflects the local Naples population but lacks diverse representation. The film does not blend different backgrounds effectively.

How does Contraband represent religion and culture?

Fair

The narrative focuses on the criminal underworld and survivalist ethics, functioning as a genre staple rather than a critical exploration of systemic power.

Does Contraband include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not include characters with visible or invisible disabilities. It does not address neurodivergence or physical disabilities.

Present on Screen

  • The Naples setting offers a non-Anglo-Saxon backdrop through its Mediterranean cast.

Limited or Absent

  • The film lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-binary gender expressions.
  • Women are relegated to secondary roles with limited narrative influence.
  • There is no portrayal of characters with physical or invisible disabilities.
  • The cast lacks multi-layered diversity beyond the local demographic.

Official Synopsis

Cigarette smugglers in Naples run into problems with cocaine operations being set up by a rival smuggler.

How are these scores produced? →

Where to Watch

Rate this Movie

No rating selected
Use arrow keys to select a rating from 1 to 5 stars
Optional text review, maximum 2000 characters
Tip: Wrap spoilers with ||double pipes|| to hide them
0/2000 characters
You must be signed in to submit a rating

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!

Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.