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Master of His Own Body

Name: Master of His Own Body
Director: Fedor Hanžeković
Released: 1957
Duration: 109 min

Representation Score

4.7/10

Fair

1957

Director

Fedor Hanžeković

Runtime

109 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Master of His Own Body offers a nuanced look at social hierarchies and the commodification of personal control. By presenting marriage as a means for wealth redistribution rather than romance, the film challenges traditional clichés through an economic lens. The narrative provides social commentary on class and patriarchal structures. However, it lacks modern markers of diversity. Women and individuals with disabilities are depicted primarily based on their utility within the protagonist's struggle for autonomy. Ultimately, the film serves as a character-driven exploration of how debt and tradition limit individual freedom.

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Category Breakdown

Does Master of His Own Body have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any characters with non-straight identities. The main plot revolves around a traditional marriage agreement.

How does Master of His Own Body portray gender?

Fair

The story focuses on a male protagonist losing control over his life. Female characters are mainly portrayed as objects within a patriarchal economic system.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Master of His Own Body?

Fair

This production is rooted in a specific cultural context. It moves away from Anglo-Saxon norms but does not blend different racial backgrounds.

How does Master of His Own Body represent religion and culture?

Good

The film criticizes Western capitalist ideas by highlighting debt and social status. It emphasizes the conflict against strict, traditional village institutions.

Does Master of His Own Body include disability representation?

Fair

A physically disabled daughter is mentioned, introducing the theme of physical disability. It is unclear whether she has a significant role or serves merely as a plot device.

Present on Screen

Criticizes traditional patriarchal systems and marriage as a transactional tool.
Explores the tension between personal control and rigid social hierarchies.
Shifts focus from Western capitalism to village-based social structures.

Limited or Absent

Female characters are primarily defined by their roles within a patriarchal economy.
Disability is used as a narrative element without clear evidence of character control.
Does not include characters with non-straight identities or diverse racial backgrounds.

Official Synopsis

Due to negligence that caused the death of a family cow, an extremely poor but handsome young man Iva must obey his father's demands to marry an unattractive and limping daughter of wealthy villagers.

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