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Ferdinand

Name: Ferdinand
Director: Carlos Saldanha
Released: 2017
Duration: 108 min

Representation Score

6.6/10

Good

2017

Director

Carlos Saldanha

Runtime

108 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Ferdinand stands out as a character study that dismantles social roles and the 'destiny' imposed by institutional culture. It questions the notion that individuals must adhere to systemic expectations, presenting personal identity as a form of heroism. However, the film falls short in demographic diversity. The absence of LGBTQ+ representation and characters with disabilities limits its inclusivity in these areas. Ultimately, the film's impact stems from its thematic subversion of gendered archetypes and its critique of traditional hierarchies, rather than a broad representation of human identity.

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Category Breakdown

Does Ferdinand have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include explicit LGBTQ+ characters or stories focused on non-cisgender identities. It instead emphasizes rejecting traditional masculine traits through animal behavior rather than addressing sexual orientation directly.

How does Ferdinand portray gender?

Good

Ferdinand challenges traditional masculinity by valuing gentleness and emotional openness over aggression. The character Nina provides a compassionate contrast to the hyper-masculine bullfighting world.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Ferdinand?

Fair

Set in Spain, the film presents a traditional European context. While it avoids harmful racial stereotypes, it does not feature a diverse or non-Anglo-Saxon majority cast.

How does Ferdinand represent religion and culture?

Good

The story critiques the bullfighting industry as a rigid, oppressive system. It highlights an outsider's perspective against established social norms.

Does Ferdinand include disability representation?

Limited

There are no characters shown with visible or invisible disabilities. Ferdinand’s calm demeanor is presented as a personality trait rather than an exploration of neurodiversity.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional masculine archetypes by emphasizing gentleness and emotional openness.
Offers a nuanced critique of rigid, systemic cultural practices like bullfighting.
Presents the rejection of social expectations as a form of personal liberation.

Limited or Absent

Does not include explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender narratives.
Misses opportunities to depict characters with visible or invisible disabilities.
Maintains a narrow focus on racial and ethnic diversity within a traditional European setting.

Official Synopsis

Ferdinand, a little bull, prefers sitting quietly under a cork tree just smelling the flowers versus jumping around, snorting, and butting heads with other bulls. As Ferdinand grows big and strong, his temperament remains mellow. But one day five men come to choose the "biggest, fastest, roughest bull" for the bullfights in Madrid— and Ferdinand is mistakenly chosen.

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