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Askari

Name: Askari
Director: David Lister
Released: 2001
Duration: 85 min

Representation Score

5.2/10

Fair

2001

TV-PG

Director

David Lister

Runtime

85 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Askari offers a moderate level of progressive depth by moving beyond simple stereotypes. It introduces layers of corruption and exploitation between local and external actors, providing a more nuanced view of the situation. The film successfully presents professional women's ability to drive the story through Paula's role as a specialized conservationist. However, the narrative remains anchored in a traditional structure. The focus on a Western protagonist and male-dominated leadership roles limits its overall diversity impact.

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Category Breakdown

Does Askari have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film follows typical family and romantic structures without addressing non-cisgender identities or critiques of the assumption that everyone is straight.

How does Askari portray gender?

Fair

Paula is shown as a professional conservationist with intellectual authority. Emma gains strength through her aunt's work, but leadership roles are still mainly driven by men.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Askari?

Good

The film delves into complex power dynamics through characters like Ndhlovu and Khumalo. However, the main character's journey remains focused on a Western viewpoint.

How does Askari represent religion and culture?

Good

The story critiques institutional authority and systemic corruption through environmental ethics. It uses the rogue elephant to symbolize resistance.

Does Askari include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no visible or mentioned depictions of physical or neurodivergent disabilities in the film.

Present on Screen

Presents nuanced women's ability to drive the story through Paula's professional expertise.
Explores complex racial power dynamics and systemic exploitation.
Moves beyond simple hero/villain clichés by introducing layers of corruption.

Limited or Absent

The central narrative arc remains heavily centered on a Western perspective.
Core leadership roles in the conflict are predominantly male-driven.
Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender narratives.

Official Synopsis

Set on a game reserve in Africa. Askari is an angry old elephant, the only survivor of the "A' family group which has been anhilitated in a government cull and he has turned rogue. Involved in the culling are Patrick Khumalo, a corrupt government official and Ribshaw, an unscrupulous white poacher accompanied by Ndhlovu, an old African tracker who is being blackmailed by Ribshaw. Anxious to save the elephants are game warden Joss Mckinley and his conservationist wife Paula who is studying and monitoring various family groups of elephants. When Paula's sixteen year old niece Emma Crawshay is orphaned she is sent to live with her aunt and uncle at Morena Game Park. She feels alienated but is gradually drawn into her aunt's passion for her work and her favourite elephant family the 'O' group, in particular a calf named Ollie.

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