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A Man, When He Is a Man

Name: A Man, When He Is a Man
Director: Valeria Sarmiento
Released: 1983
Duration: 66 min

Representation Score

6.3/10

Good

1983

Director

Valeria Sarmiento

Runtime

66 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Valeria Sarmiento’s documentary serves as a progressive sociological tool, specifically designed to deconstruct the patriarchal structures of Latin America. By centering the narrative on the systemic nature of machismo, the film disrupts conventional expectations of gendered authority and social hierarchy. While the film excels in its critique of gendered dominance, it lacks specific evidence regarding LGBTQ+ identities or disability representation. The focus remains primarily on the binary struggle of gendered power and the cultural traditions of Costa Rica. Ultimately, the film is a significant work of intentionality. It prioritizes the deconstruction of traditional authority, offering a vital non-Western perspective on how social climates nurture systemic oppression.

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Category Breakdown

Does A Man, When He Is a Man have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film focuses on the sociological study of machismo and gendered power dynamics. There are no specific LGBTQ+ characters or narratives involving non-cisgender identities.

How does A Man, When He Is a Man portray gender?

Excellent

The documentary explicitly critiques traditional gender hierarchies and the domination of women. It challenges masculine leadership by framing it as a systemic social issue rather than a natural order.

How racially and ethnically diverse is A Man, When He Is a Man?

Good

The film provides a localized, non-Western perspective centered in Costa Rica and Latin America. The analytical focus remains on social class and gendered power rather than a diverse mix of racial identities.

How does A Man, When He Is a Man represent religion and culture?

Good

The work analyzes traditional Latin social institutions, such as the family, as sites of systemic oppression. It examines how cultural traditions nurture the social structures of machismo.

Does A Man, When He Is a Man include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no evidence regarding the depiction of physical or neurodivergent disabilities in this documentary.

Present on Screen

Strong intentionality in challenging traditional gender hierarchies and patriarchal stability.
Provides a valuable, localized non-Western perspective on social development and power.
Effectively critiques the systemic nature of machismo within Latin American social institutions.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit representation or narratives concerning LGBTQ+ identities.
Provides no evidence of depictions regarding physical or neurodivergent disabilities.
The analytical focus leans heavily toward gender and class rather than racial intersectionality.

Official Synopsis

What are the social climate and cultural traditions in Costa Rica which nurture "machismo" and allow the domination of women to continue in Latin America?

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