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Bali

Name: Bali
Director: Ugo Liberatore, Paolo Heusch, Usmar Ismail
Released: 1970
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

5.3/10

Fair

1970

Director

Ugo Liberatore, Paolo Heusch, Usmar Ismail

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Bali (1970) functions as a complex transnational drama that avoids a purely Western perspective through its collaborative direction. By involving Indonesian filmmaker Usmar Ismail, the film introduces a post-colonial layer to its exotic setting. The narrative centers on a woman's departure from domestic stability toward a mystical, non-Western spiritual framework. This creates a tension between Western voyeurism and genuine cultural immersion. While the film lacks representation for LGBTQ+ identities or disabilities, it succeeds in disrupting conventional romantic trajectories through its focus on cultural and spiritual intersectionality.

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Category Breakdown

Does Bali have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not include any visible representation of LGBTQ+ identities or queer subtext. The romantic storyline focuses on a woman and an enigmatic ex-patriot, without any clear indication of same-sex relationships or non-cisgender identities.

How does Bali portray gender?

Fair

The female protagonist takes control by leaving her marriage to start a new life. However, her involvement with a death cult suggests she may be vulnerable to external spiritual influences.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Bali?

Good

The production includes a significant international collaboration, featuring Indonesian filmmaker Usmar Ismail. This involvement helps broaden the narrative beyond a solely Eurocentric viewpoint.

How does Bali represent religion and culture?

Good

The story uses a mystical death cult to challenge Western rationalism. This framework disrupts the protagonist's established life through intense, localized spiritualities.

Does Bali include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no evidence of characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities within the narrative.

Present on Screen

Involves Indonesian filmmaker Usmar Ismail to provide a non-Eurocentric perspective.
The female protagonist actively chooses to leave her marriage, showing independence.
Challenges Western rationalism by focusing on a non-Western spiritual framework.

Limited or Absent

Lacks visible representation of LGBTQ+ identities or queer subtext.
No characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities are present.
Risk of framing local culture as a mere backdrop for Western character development.

Official Synopsis

The wife of a European photographer on assignment in exotic Bali falls for an enigmatic ex patriot under the spell of a mystical death cult...

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