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A Rational Solution

Name: A Rational Solution
Director: Jörgen Bergmark
Released: 2009
Duration: 98 min

Representation Score

4.4/10

Fair

2009

Director

Jörgen Bergmark

Runtime

98 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

A Rational Solution is a character-driven tragi-comedy that emphasizes psychological complexity over broad demographic representation. It deconstructs traditional social institutions like marriage by highlighting professionals struggling with their own interpersonal issues. However, the film remains largely insular, focusing on a specific Swedish social circle that lacks racial and ethnic diversity. The narrative centers on heterosexual experiences, offering limited space for LGBTQ+ or non-traditional gender perspectives. Ultimately, the film serves as a localized study of dysfunction, avoiding harmful clichés but not striving for the multi-layered representation needed to challenge broader societal norms.

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Category Breakdown

Does A Rational Solution have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film focuses on heterosexual relationships and infidelity. There are no visible LGBTQ+ characters or perspectives in the plot.

How does A Rational Solution portray gender?

Fair

Both men and women are shown in professional roles as marriage counselors. The film explores the breakdown of domestic stability without relying on rigid patriarchal structures.

How racially and ethnically diverse is A Rational Solution?

Limited

The production reflects the specific demographic reality of its Swedish setting. It does not indicate a diverse or multi-layered cast.

How does A Rational Solution represent religion and culture?

Good

The story challenges the sanctity of marriage and traditional Western institutions. It uses a secular, post-modern approach to explore moral relativism and human error.

Does A Rational Solution include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no documented characters with visible or invisible disabilities in this work.

Present on Screen

Challenges the sanctity of traditional marriage through a lens of moral relativism.
Provides professional roles to both genders within the marriage counseling framework.
Avoids the use of derogatory clichés despite a narrow demographic focus.

Limited or Absent

Lacks visible LGBTQ+ representation or perspectives within the main plot.
Shows limited racial and ethnic diversity, adhering to a localized demographic.
Does not include characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Four of Sweden's top actors anchor Jörgen Bergmark's tragi-comedy about a couple, both marriage counsellors, who find themselves in deep water when the husband falls for his best friend's wife. A smart, funny film made for adults. Nominated for Best Film at the 2009 Ghent International Film Festival.

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