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Assassins

Assassins

Representation Score

6.6/10

Good

2021

Director

Ryan White

Runtime

104 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Assassins is a sophisticated investigative documentary that dismantles state-sanctioned narratives. It shifts the focus from traditional Western spy clichés toward a nuanced examination of how individuals are caught in the gears of global power. The film excels by centering women's ability to drive the story and East Asian political complexities. It moves beyond simple crime reporting to critique the systemic exploitation of underrepresented people by authoritarian regimes. While the film lacks LGBTQ+ and disability representation, its strength lies in its deconstruction of institutional authority and its focus on the tension between state coercion and individual autonomy.

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Category Breakdown

Does Assassins have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film focuses on geopolitical espionage and criminal law rather than LGBTQ+ narratives. It does not include explicit LGBTQ+ identities or intentionally queer-coded subtext.

How does Assassins portray gender?

Good

The narrative centers on the experiences of two women in a patriarchal geopolitical landscape. It highlights the female perspective and challenges traditional hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Assassins?

Good

The documentary provides visibility into East Asian geopolitics and non-Western political structures. It disrupts Anglo-centric traditions by focusing on North Korean state actors and specific national identities.

How does Assassins represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film critiques Western-centric views of justice through a framework of systemic analysis. It portrays state institutions as corrupt and explores individuals as victims of state-driven machinery.

Does Assassins include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no discernible evidence regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities within the film's focus.

Present on Screen

  • Centers women's ability to drive the story within a male-dominated geopolitical landscape.
  • Provides significant visibility into non-Western political structures and East Asian geopolitics.
  • Critiques Western-centric notions of truth and justice through systemic analysis.

Limited or Absent

  • Lacks intentionality regarding LGBTQ+ identities or queer-coded narratives.
  • Provides no discernible representation of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

True crime meets global spy thriller in this gripping account of the assassination of Kim Jong-nam, the half brother of the North Korean leader. The film follows the trial of the two female assassins, probing the question: were the women trained killers or innocent pawns of North Korea?

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