You are here:

Puberty Blues

Name: Puberty Blues
Director: Bruce Beresford
Released: 1981
Duration: 87 min

Representation Score

3.2/10

Limited

1981

Director

Bruce Beresford

Runtime

87 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Puberty Blues offers a detailed look at the social dynamics of young women. By focusing on female friendships and social pressures, it avoids the cliché of women being merely supportive characters in male-dominated narratives. However, the film reflects the demographic limitations of its 1970s setting. The cast is predominantly Anglo-Saxon, and there are no representations of non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth or queer identities, which limits the diversity of the characters.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Puberty Blues have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows the traditional romantic dynamics and pursuit of male attention typical of the 1970s. It does not include any narratives featuring queer identities.

How does Puberty Blues portray gender?

Good

Female characters play a significant role in driving the story and emotional intelligence. The story focuses on female friendships and the social pressures faced by young women as they navigate their sexuality.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Puberty Blues?

Limited

The cast is mainly Anglo-Saxon, accurately depicting the racial homogeneity of a working-class Sydney suburb during the time period.

How does Puberty Blues represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story explores the tension between personal desires and strict suburban social norms. It portrays adolescent rebellion as a natural part of growing up within this social structure.

Does Puberty Blues include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no central characters or plot-driving elements that prominently feature physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Present on Screen

Gives a significant role in driving the story to female characters.
Focuses on the internal lives and social interactions of young women.
Provides a nuanced study of female friendships and social pressures.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth or queer identities.
Features significant racial homogeneity in the cast.
Does not challenge the straight-centered social structures of its era.

Official Synopsis

Two teenage surf chicks from the southern suburbs of Sydney ingratiate themselves with a new group of boys.

How are these scores produced? →