The film prioritizes philosophical abstraction over identity-based romantic arcs. While it explores human desire as a driver of tragedy, it lacks explicit non-cisnormative narratives.

Men and women are framed as equal participants in a cycle of suffering. The narrative avoids centering heroic masculinity, though it lacks specific, character-driven subversions of gender roles.

The historical scope allows for a kaleidoscopic array of human forms across eras. However, the focus on archetypes rather than specific ethnic agency limits the depth of representation.

The film excels at deconstructing Western institutions like religion and capitalism. It presents human history as a series of repetitive, violent cycles rather than a linear path of progress.

The narrative focuses on the metaphysical condition of humanity rather than lived experiences of disability. Physical frailty is part of the tragedy, but disability lacks specific narrative agency.