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The Black Book

Name: The Black Book
Director: Editi Effiong
Released: 2023
Duration: 124 min

Representation Score

3.6/10

Limited

2023

Director

Editi Effiong

Runtime

124 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film stands out by offering a non-Western perspective that breaks down traditional thriller clichés. By focusing on an African protagonist and setting, it provides a unique cultural viewpoint on systemic issues. However, the narrative structure heavily emphasizes traditional masculine archetypes, leaving little room for diverse gender expressions or significant female roles. Overall, while the film lacks representation of LGBTQ+ and disability, it successfully deconstructs authority from a culturally specific angle, emphasizing individual justice over corrupt state institutions.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Black Book have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any characters who identify as LGBTQ+ or have non-cisgender identities. It focuses on a traditional family unit made up of a father and his son.

How does The Black Book portray gender?

Fair

The story centers around male characters who take active roles, such as protectors and avengers. Female characters play minor roles and do not have significant influence over the plot.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Black Book?

Excellent

The film offers a specific focus on an African protagonist and setting, providing a unique perspective on crime and justice within the thriller genre.

How does The Black Book represent religion and culture?

Good

The movie explores moral relativism through a deacon who becomes a vigilante. It questions the reliability of institutions by showing the police force as corrupt and oppressive.

Does The Black Book include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no mention of characters with visible or invisible disabilities in this film.

Present on Screen

Provides a strong non-Western perspective on the thriller genre.
Offers high levels of racial and ethnic specificity through its African setting.
Challenges Western-normative lenses by centering African protagonists and institutions.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender characters.
Relies heavily on traditional masculine archetypes and male-driven roles.
Provides no documented evidence of characters with disabilities.

Official Synopsis

After his son is wrongly accused of kidnapping, a deacon who has just lost his wife takes matters into his own hands and fights a crooked police gang to clear him.

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