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Who Are You?

Name: Who Are You?
Director: João Botelho
Released: 2001
Duration: 112 min

Representation Score

6.9/10

Good

2001

Director

João Botelho

Runtime

112 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Who Are You? is a psychological historical drama that centers on Maria's subjective experience. By focusing on her physical and mental distress, the film moves beyond typical period dramas to explore how illness shapes perception. While the film provides a sophisticated critique of national identity and historical myth-making, it remains confined by its historical setting. The absence of explicit LGBTQ+ representation and adherence to traditional social hierarchies limit its diversity score. Ultimately, the film succeeds as a meditation on the fragmentation of the self, using the lens of chronic illness to offer a raw, non-traditional view of history.

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Category Breakdown

Does Who Are You? have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not explicitly depict non-binary or same-sex relationships, focusing instead on Maria's psychological journey.

How does Who Are You? portray gender?

Fair

Maria is portrayed as a central character whose experiences highlight female subjectivity and physical vulnerability within the context of 16th-century social structures.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Who Are You??

Fair

The narrative touches on a nation occupied by outsiders, suggesting a post-colonial subtext. The casting reflects the social constraints of the time.

How does Who Are You? represent religion and culture?

Good

The film challenges idealized notions of historical greatness by presenting the 16th century as decadent and fractured. It uses hallucinations to question traditional nationalistic narratives.

Does Who Are You? include disability representation?

Good

Maria’s tuberculosis and hallucinations are central to the film, highlighting her suffering without resorting to common inspirational clichés.

Present on Screen

Focuses on the female subjective experience and psychological depth.
Provides a sophisticated critique of nationalistic myths and historical decadence.
Uses chronic illness as a primary narrative lens.

Limited or Absent

No explicit representation of non-binary or same-sex relationships.
Adheres to traditional social hierarchies within the historical context.
Limited exploration of racial diversity beyond post-colonial subtext.

Official Synopsis

Maria de Noronha, at 13 years old, suffers from high fevers and violent hemoptysis caused by a ruthless tuberculosis. To alleviate the pain, she gathers poppies from her garden and, at night, places them on her bed pillows. But the poppies have a devastating effect. Her deep sleep is invaded by ghosts and hallucinations: the luxury and decadence of the Portuguese 16th century. A broken nation, occupied by strangers.

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