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Breath

Name: Breath
Director: Narges Abyar
Released: 2016
Duration: 112 min

Representation Score

5.3/10

Fair

2016

Director

Narges Abyar

Runtime

112 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Breath is a humanistic drama that shines through its authentic cultural specificity and its nuanced portrayal of physical vulnerability. By focusing on a young girl's internal, surreal world, the film provides a meaningful perspective on female empowerment within a specific historical context. While the film successfully avoids the 'Western gaze' and offers a deep look at the complexities of illness, it does not actively challenge traditional social or gender hierarchies. The adherence to traditional domestic roles limits its score in gender subversion. Overall, the film's strength lies in its ability to use a localized setting to explore universal themes of resilience and mortality, making it a deeply empathetic character study.

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Category Breakdown

Does Breath have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include LGBTQ+ characters or explore non-cisgender identities. It operates within a traditional social framework.

How does Breath portray gender?

Fair

The story emphasizes the emotional journey of a young female protagonist, giving her a strong role in driving the narrative. However, the family structure adheres to traditional domestic roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Breath?

Good

This Iranian production features a homogeneous cast that accurately reflects the demographic reality of the region. It avoids the Western perspective by showing the actual population.

How does Breath represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film sets its story in the backdrop of 1970s Iranian society, offering a nuanced view of life through the lens of a fragile family unit.

Does Breath include disability representation?

Good

The narrative explores the harsh realities of terminal illness and family coping without relying on clichés. It focuses on the raw, challenging aspects of living with a serious illness.

Present on Screen

Reflects the actual demographic reality of 1970s Iran with high ethnic authenticity.
Explores the harsh realities of terminal illness and family coping in a non-exploitative manner.
Centers the emotional and narrative weight on a female protagonist's ability to drive the story and inner world.

Limited or Absent

Maintains traditional domestic roles and patriarchal family structures without challenging them.
Does not include LGBTQ+ characters or explore non-cisgender identities.
Focuses on a homogeneous social fabric that does not explore broader social or gender hierarchy disruptions.

Official Synopsis

Breath is about an Iranian family who lives in Iran. It tells the story of Bahar, who is living with her father, Ghafour and Grandmother during the 70s.She is living in her childish and surreal world, filled with their dreams and fantasies.

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