You are here:

Red Persimmon

Name: Red Persimmon
Director: Wang Tung
Released: 1996
Duration: 168 min

Representation Score

4.3/10

Fair

1996

Director

Wang Tung

Runtime

168 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Red Persimmon is a historical drama that prioritizes geopolitical shifts and familial endurance. It offers a localized, nuanced view of mid-century Asian history, effectively challenging Western-centric cinematic perspectives through its cultural specificity. However, the film adheres to traditional narrative structures. The division of labor between male political actors and female domestic figures suggests a conventional approach to gender roles rather than a challenge to them. Ultimately, the work functions as a study of historical realism. It focuses on the human cost of systemic political change rather than engaging with modern identity-driven frameworks.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Red Persimmon have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The narrative focuses on geopolitical and familial tensions during the 1949 transition. There are no LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight relationships in the story.

How does Red Persimmon portray gender?

Fair

The story contrasts the patriarchal political sphere with the domestic realm. Men lead the political plot, while the grandmother provides emotional stability.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Red Persimmon?

Good

The film centers on a non-Western, East Asian perspective. It highlights the experiences of refugees and military personnel in Taiwan during the Chinese Civil War.

How does Red Persimmon represent religion and culture?

Fair

Themes of displacement and institutional loyalty are central to the film. It emphasizes communal resilience and traditional family structures over individualistic Western ideals.

Does Red Persimmon include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no mention of characters with visible or invisible disabilities within the narrative.

Present on Screen

Provides a significant non-Western perspective on historical events.
Offers cultural specificity regarding the Chinese Civil War's impact on Taiwan.
Explores themes of communal resilience and survival during upheaval.

Limited or Absent

Lacks visible representation for LGBTQ+ identities.
Relies on traditional gender divisions between political and domestic spheres.
Does not feature characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

In 1949, the Communists take over mainland. The refugees and the military arrive in the Keelung Harbor in Taiwan. A father holds secret meetings with other generals in attempt to recover the lost land, his kids still play games with their grandma who enjoys the harmony in hardship.

How are these scores produced? →