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An Adolescent

Name: An Adolescent
Director: Eiji Okuda
Released: 2001
Duration: 132 min

Representation Score

6.5/10

Good

2001

Director

Eiji Okuda

Runtime

132 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

An Adolescent is a character study focused on moral ambiguity and the subversion of professional archetypes. The film explores interpersonal dysfunction through a protagonist who rejects social and professional responsibilities. The narrative's strength lies in its willingness to challenge the sanctity of authority and traditional heroic arcs. It prioritizes subjective morality and personal impulse over maintaining social order. However, the film risks reinforcing harmful social hierarchies through its treatment of disability. The lack of visible diversity and characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity limits its overall inclusivity.

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Category Breakdown

Does An Adolescent have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film centers on the protagonist's relationships with married women, focusing on heterosexual dynamics. There is no explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or structures that challenge the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does An Adolescent portray gender?

Fair

The story avoids traditional masculine clichés by centering an indolent, irresponsible police officer. While the protagonist's interactions with women are important, the specific roles and actions of female characters are not fully explored.

How racially and ethnically diverse is An Adolescent?

Fair

As a Japanese production, the film focuses on a localized demographic without evidence of multi-ethnic casting. The narrative appears to operate within a specific cultural context.

How does An Adolescent represent religion and culture?

Good

The film critiques institutional respect by portraying a police officer who lacks professional ethics. This deconstruction of state authority provides a nuanced look at social and moral hierarchies.

Does An Adolescent include disability representation?

Limited

A character with mental challenges is mentioned, but the protagonist uses them as an object of mockery. This suggests disability may serve as a tool for highlighting character flaws rather than empowering representation.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional masculine clichés by presenting an indolent and ethically compromised protagonist.
Critiques institutional authority and the sanctity of professional duty through character-driven drama.
Explores complex, transgressive interpersonal dynamics rather than relying on standard heroic narratives.

Limited or Absent

Avoids using characters with mental challenges as mere tools for the protagonist's mockery.
Provides more nuanced roles and depth for the female characters involved in the narrative.
Includes more visible representation of LGBTQ+ identities or multi-ethnic casting within the localized setting.

Official Synopsis

Incredibly indolent cop Tomokawa spends his time making fun of his mentally challenged friend Sukemasa, riding his bike all over the city and sleeping with married women. But his whole world changes when he meets Yoko.

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