You are here:

One of Us

Name: One of Us
Director: Gennadi Poloka
Released: 1971
Duration: 98 min

Representation Score

2.5/10

Limited

1971

Director

Gennadi Poloka

Runtime

98 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

One of Us is a period-specific action thriller that serves as a tool of state patriotism. It operates within the rigid ideological and social frameworks of 1970s Soviet cinema, emphasizing institutional stability and the defense of the state against fascism. The film relies on conventional hierarchies, focusing on masculine leadership and Slavic identity. It provides little to no disruption of the established social or identity-based norms of its time. As a genre-driven espionage piece, the film focuses on state security rather than exploring diverse identities or characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does One of Us have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or stories. Given the espionage genre and the 1971 Soviet setting, it adheres closely to traditional social structures.

How does One of Us portray gender?

Limited

The male protagonist, Sergei Biryukov, plays a central role in driving the plot. The narrative emphasizes male-dominated intelligence and military institutions.

How racially and ethnically diverse is One of Us?

Limited

The story focuses on the Slavic/Russian identity protecting the state. There is no indication of diverse ethnic casting or efforts to challenge ethnic hierarchies.

How does One of Us represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film promotes Soviet state patriotism and loyalty to institutions. It prioritizes preserving the existing political order over questioning power dynamics.

Does One of Us include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters with visible or invisible disabilities mentioned in the narrative.

Present on Screen

Offers a clear historical perspective on Soviet-era state patriotism and institutional values.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or narratives that challenge traditional assumptions.
Relies on traditional masculine frameworks for leadership and control.
Prioritizes a singular Slavic identity over the multi-ethnic reality of the Soviet Union.
Offers minimal engagement with disability representation or diverse social identities.

Official Synopsis

April 1941. According to intelligence received by the Chekists, a fascist sabotage group plans to blow up one of Moscow's defense plants. To find out the plans of saboteurs working under the auspices of the German embassy, the NKVD sends one of its best employees, Sergei Biryukov, to the plant. He finds contact with the fascist agent Keller and finds out that the explosion is scheduled for June 21...

How are these scores produced? →