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Brutal

Name: Brutal
Director: Takashi Hirose
Released: 2017
Duration: 66 min

Representation Score

2.7/10

Limited

2017

Director

Takashi Hirose

Runtime

66 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Brutal is a genre-driven horror film that stands out by giving the female lead a strong, proactive role. This avoids the typical portrayal of women as passive victims. However, the film’s scope is limited. It focuses on individual obsessions and a single cultural perspective, neglecting broader diversity and systemic critiques. Overall, the film serves primarily as a character-driven thriller, lacking the depth needed to address broader issues of diversity and identity.

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Category Breakdown

Does Brutal have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film centers around a traditional romance between a male and female lead. There are no characters with non-cisgender identities or same-sex relationships.

How does Brutal portray gender?

Fair

The movie challenges gender stereotypes by giving the female lead a prominent role. She is shown as an active participant rather than a passive observer.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Brutal?

Fair

Set in Japan with an entirely Japanese cast, the film reflects a specific cultural context. It does not explore diverse racial backgrounds or multi-layered identities.

How does Brutal represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story frames villains through the lens of romantic obsession, avoiding direct criticism of Western or capitalist systems.

Does Brutal include disability representation?

Minimal

The plot does not feature characters with physical, cognitive, or mental health conditions, nor does it explore their experiences with ability to act.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional gender roles by giving the female lead a powerful and proactive position.
Avoids the common cliché of portraying women as passive victims.

Limited or Absent

Could benefit from exploring more diverse identities and multi-layered themes.
Needs to address broader social and political critiques.
Should include characters with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions.

Official Synopsis

A savage murderer is on the prowl in Japan. One by one, his victims fall but what is he searching for? The same thing a murderess is looking for. We are all looking for that special love of our lives and sometimes, we're willing to kill everyone to find that special someone. This is the tale of two people finding each other in the most vicious way possible.

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