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23

Name: 23
Director: Sergey Karpov
Released: 2018
Duration: 12 min

Representation Score

5.4/10

Fair

2018

Director

Sergey Karpov

Runtime

12 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Sergey Karpov’s *23* is a contemplative study of generational detachment in Budennovsk. It focuses on the mundane, digital-age lives of Jura and Lena, creating a tension between their daily routines and the violent geopolitical history of their environment. The film’s strength lies in its narrative structure, which explores the disconnect between modern youth and historical trauma. However, it lacks specific depth regarding individual ethnic identities and provides no visibility for LGBTQ+ or disabled characters. It remains a neutral observer of the social landscape rather than an active explorer of diverse identities.

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Category Breakdown

Does 23 have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film doesn't explicitly depict same-sex intimacy or LGBTQ+ characters. It maintains a neutral stance towards non-cisgender identities.

How does 23 portray gender?

Fair

The documentary offers balanced representation by centering both a male and female protagonist equally. It avoids traditional male-centric hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is 23?

Fair

The setting suggests a complex ethnic landscape involving Caucasian and Slavic identities. However, specific character depth regarding individual ethnicities remains unconfirmed.

How does 23 represent religion and culture?

Good

The film critiques institutional memory by highlighting a knowledge void among the youth. It prioritizes secular, lived realities over traditional religious or patriotic frameworks.

Does 23 include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no information available regarding the representation of characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Present on Screen

Balanced gender representation through the equal centering of male and female protagonists.
Effective use of a dual-protagonist structure to explore shared generational experiences.
Thoughtful critique of how historical and institutional memory is transmitted to younger generations.

Limited or Absent

Lack of explicit representation for LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender characters.
Absence of visible or invisible disability representation within the narrative.
Limited character depth regarding specific racial and ethnic identities.

Official Synopsis

Jura is 23 years old - and Lena is 23. They live in Budennovsk, play computer games, walk and learn. They live in a city where Shamil Basayev entered 23 years ago with militants, and know almost nothing about the events of that time.

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