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The First King

Name: The First King
Director: Matteo Rovere
Released: 2019
Duration: 123 min

Representation Score

0.6/10

Minimal

2019

TV-MA

Director

Matteo Rovere

Runtime

123 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The First King is a vivid historical reconstruction that prioritizes the harsh realities of the Iron Age over modern social critiques. It serves as a traditional epic, emphasizing the violent shift from tribal societies to organized states through the legend of Romulus and Remus. Since the film aims to replicate the specific social hierarchies of the Migration Period, it lacks contemporary representation. The narrative upholds traditional gender roles, straight-centered structures, and the dominance of masculine authority necessary for tribal lineage. Ultimately, the film’s dedication to historical accuracy leads to a lower diversity score. It opts to maintain period-specific social dynamics rather than challenging or overturning conventional expectations of representation.

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Category Breakdown

Does The First King have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film stays true to the historical context where there are no representations of non-binary gender identities or same-sex relationships.

How does The First King portray gender?

Limited

Women's roles are limited to the home or political marriages, while the story emphasizes male leadership and military prowess.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The First King?

Limited

The casting accurately reflects the ethnic makeup of the 6th-century Mediterranean, avoiding modern demographic blending or casting actors from different backgrounds.

How does The First King represent religion and culture?

Minimal

The film explores the emergence of organized religion and centralized monarchy, focusing on the foundational elements of Western civilization and traditional views of sovereignty.

Does The First King include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no depictions of neurodivergence or physical disabilities that play a central role in the narrative.

Present on Screen

The film achieves high historical realism by reflecting the specific ethnic and geographic realities of the 6th-century Mediterranean landscape.
The production design and casting successfully prioritize period accuracy over modern demographic blending.

Limited or Absent

The narrative lacks women's ability to drive the story, confining women primarily to domestic roles or political marriage alliances.
There is a complete absence of LGBTQ+ representation or non-traditional gender identities.
The film provides no meaningful depiction of neurodivergence or physical disabilities as central narrative drivers.

Official Synopsis

Romulus and Remus, two shepherds and loyal brothers, end up taking part to a journey that will lead one of them to be the founder of the greatest nation ever seen. However, the fate of the chosen one will pass from killing his own brother.

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