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Wira

Name: Wira
Director: Adrian Teh
Released: 2019
Duration: 108 min

Representation Score

1.5/10

Minimal

2019

Director

Adrian Teh

Runtime

108 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Wira is a traditionalist action drama that centers on national identity and conventional heroism. It successfully reflects a localized, multi-ethnic reality that feels authentic to its Singaporean setting. However, the film operates within a narrow social framework. It focuses heavily on masculine hierarchies and institutional loyalty, offering little room for progressive social perspectives or diverse identities. While the ethnic representation is a clear strength, the lack of engagement with diverse gender roles, LGBTQ+ identities, or disability perspectives results in a low overall diversity score.

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Category Breakdown

Does Wira have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any identifiable LGBTQ+ characters or stories. The social world revolves around traditional relationships without addressing non-straight relationships.

How does Wira portray gender?

Limited

The story focuses almost entirely on male characters in a combat setting. It upholds traditional masculine hierarchies and does not challenge conventional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Wira?

Good

The film showcases the multi-ethnic makeup of the Singapore Armed Forces, meaningfully incorporating Chinese, Malay, and Indian identities. It avoids the homogeneity found in Western action films.

How does Wira represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story emphasizes traditional values such as patriotism, military discipline, and family sanctity. It portrays military hierarchy as a stabilizing force without criticizing state institutions.

Does Wira include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not feature any characters dealing with visible or invisible disabilities. The emphasis on peak physical performance and combat excludes perspectives on disabilities.

Present on Screen

The film provides meaningful representation of the Singaporean demographic by incorporating Chinese, Malay, and Indian identities.
The narrative avoids the homogeneity of Western-centric action cinema by reflecting a localized, multi-ethnic reality.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks engagement with LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight narratives.
Narrative ability to act is heavily concentrated in male characters, reinforcing traditional patriarchal structures.
The focus on peak physical combat performance excludes perspectives regarding physical or neurodivergent disabilities.
The story reinforces conservative institutional values rather than exploring diverse social or moral frameworks.

Official Synopsis

After a long stint in the army, an ex-lieutenant returns home and enters an underground MMA match to take on a local mobster and protect his family.

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