You are here:

Knights of the Zodiac

Knights of the Zodiac

Representation Score

4.6/10

Fair

2023

PG-13

Director

Tomek Bagiński

Runtime

112 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Knights of the Zodiac operates as a traditional genre piece that prioritizes mythic archetypes over social discourse. While the film succeeds in creating a visually pluralistic world through globalized casting, the narrative remains anchored in familiar clichés. The film relies heavily on established gender dynamics and a binary moral framework. It favors the comfort of conventional hero myths rather than introducing multi-layered complexities or disrupting cultural hierarchies. Ultimately, the production leans into high-fantasy combat and idealized physical perfection, which limits the opportunity for nuanced representation of disability or diverse lived experiences.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Knights of the Zodiac have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows a conventional framework that assumes everyone is straight or cisgender. It lacks any representation of LGBTQ+ identities or same-sex romantic dynamics, focusing instead on the biological bond between Seiya and his sister.

How does Knights of the Zodiac portray gender?

Fair

While the goddess Athena holds supreme spiritual authority, physical combat and action are dominated by male characters. This creates a dichotomy where female power is divine and masculine power is physical.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Knights of the Zodiac?

Fair

The production uses globalized casting to move away from Anglo-centric models. However, the narrative treats this diverse ensemble as a standardized part of the fantasy setting rather than exploring specific racial or ethnic identities.

How does Knights of the Zodiac represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story reinforces a traditional moral hierarchy centered on divine order versus destruction. It adheres to conventional hero-myth structures without deconstructing mythological hierarchies or offering secular critiques.

Does Knights of the Zodiac include disability representation?

Limited

Characters are portrayed through the lens of idealized physical capability required for combat. There is no significant focus on neurodivergence, physical disabilities, or chronic illness.

Present on Screen

  • The film utilizes a globalized casting approach that moves beyond strictly Anglo-centric protagonist models.
  • The inclusion of an international ensemble provides a degree of visual pluralism within the mythological setting.

Limited or Absent

  • The narrative relies on a gender dynamic where female power is relegated to divine status while men drive the physical action.
  • The story lacks representation of neurodivergence, physical disabilities, or chronic illness, favoring idealized physical capability.
  • The film adheres to a straight-centered framework and lacks queer perspectives or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.
  • The plot reinforces traditional moral hierarchies rather than engaging with diverse cultural or secular perspectives.

Official Synopsis

When a headstrong street orphan, Seiya, in search of his abducted sister unwittingly taps into hidden powers, he discovers he might be the only person alive who can protect a reincarnated goddess, sent to watch over humanity. Can he let his past go and embrace his destiny to become a Knight of the Zodiac?

How are these scores produced? →

Where to Watch

Rate this Movie

No rating selected
Use arrow keys to select a rating from 1 to 5 stars
Optional text review, maximum 2000 characters
Tip: Wrap spoilers with ||double pipes|| to hide them
0/2000 characters
You must be signed in to submit a rating

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!

Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.