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The Unorthodox

Name: The Unorthodox
Director: Eliran Malka
Released: 2018
Duration: 92 min

Representation Score

4.9/10

Fair

2018

Director

Eliran Malka

Runtime

92 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film is a sophisticated character study set in a historical context that deconstructs communal norms. It challenges monolithic views of the Haredi community by highlighting internal fractures related to ethnicity and class. The narrative disrupts conventional religious storytelling by focusing on systemic bias, using the protagonist's fight for Sephardic representation to drive its political and social themes.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Unorthodox have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film follows a traditional ultra-Orthodox framework where no LGBTQ+ characters or stories about non-straight relationships are present.

How does The Unorthodox portray gender?

Fair

Men hold leadership positions, but the story is driven by the female experience. The protagonist's political activism is sparked by the systemic discrimination his daughter faces.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Unorthodox?

Good

The film excels in showing the tensions between Sephardic and Ashkenazi communities, providing a nuanced look at the internal ethnic dynamics and political representation within the religious context.

How does The Unorthodox represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film critiques established religious institutions, portraying traditional authority as a structure capable of causing inequality, focusing on the struggles of underrepresented groups against the status quo.

Does The Unorthodox include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no indication of the representation of physical or neurodivergent disabilities within the film.

Present on Screen

Provides a nuanced depiction of ethnic tensions within a religious context.
Highlights internal social fractures to challenge monolithic views of the Haredi community.
Uses the female experience as a vital catalyst for the central political narrative.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight relationship narratives.
Maintains traditional gender roles in leadership and character development.
Offers no representation of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

The year is 1983 and Yaakov Cohen, the owner of a Jerusalem printing press, is tired from being pushed around. It seems that he was born on the wrong side, with the wrong family name and in a moment's decision he decides to establish a Sephardic-ultra-Orthodox list that will run to the Jerusalem municipality. He gathers two friends, and together they improvise a campaign - no means, no connections, no money, but with much rage, passion and a sense of justice.

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