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Kangaroo

Name: Kangaroo
Director: Tim Burstall
Released: 1986
Duration: 108 min

Representation Score

2.4/10

Limited

1986

Director

Tim Burstall

Runtime

108 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Kangaroo is a historical drama that emphasizes socio-political and class-based conflicts over identity-focused narratives. The film's strength lies in its critique of nationalism through a pacifist lens, offering a challenge to institutional authority. However, the film lacks representation of diverse identities, focusing instead on traditional mid-20th-century political themes centered around male-dominated spheres and European-descended factions. While the inclusion of Māori actor Cliff Curtis adds ethnic diversity, the narrative does not center diverse identities or address disability and LGBTQ+ themes.

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Category Breakdown

Does Kangaroo have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or stories. It focuses on larger political and class issues rather than non-straight identities.

How does Kangaroo portray gender?

Limited

The story revolves around male-dominated political spaces such as trade unions and fascist groups. There is no indication of significant female influence or challenges to male-dominated hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Kangaroo?

Fair

Including Māori actor Cliff Curtis adds ethnic diversity to the cast. However, the main plot centers on European-descended political factions.

How does Kangaroo represent religion and culture?

Good

The story challenges patriotic clichés by focusing on a conscientious objector. It critiques traditional power structures through the lens of class struggle and systemic conflict.

Does Kangaroo include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no evidence of characters with visible or invisible disabilities being part of the story.

Present on Screen

The film provides a meaningful critique of nationalism and state-mandated violence through its pacifist protagonist.
The inclusion of Māori actor Cliff Curtis adds ethnic diversity to the cast.

Limited or Absent

The narrative lacks representation for LGBTQ+ identities and characters with disabilities.
The film focuses on male-dominated political spheres, offering little evidence of female influence.
The central conflict remains largely centered on European-descended political factions.

Official Synopsis

A mild-mannered English conscientious objector moves to what he feels will be the relative calm of Australia after World War I, but gets caught in the middle of violent battles between the rising trade unions and fascist groups.

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