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The Small One

Name: The Small One
Director: Don Bluth
Released: 1978
Duration: 26 min

Representation Score

1.8/10

Minimal

1978

Director

Don Bluth

Runtime

26 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Small One is a traditional retelling of a biblical narrative, emphasizing historical and religious continuity over social deconstruction. Its structure relies heavily on established patriarchal and familial archetypes typical of the period setting. While the film offers ethnic specificity by situating characters in the ancient Holy Land, it does not challenge broader cultural perspectives. The narrative upholds spiritual duty and traditional morality without delving into diverse social hierarchies or multi-layered identities. Ultimately, the film reinforces religious myths cohesively, lacking representation for LGBTQ+ identities, disabilities, or non-traditional gender roles.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Small One have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on historical and religious themes without depicting non-straight or non-cisgender identities or same-sex relationships.

How does The Small One portray gender?

Fair

Characters adhere to traditional gender roles within a patriarchal system. Mary is shown in a maternal role, and the plot revolves around a father's instructions to his son.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Small One?

Fair

The setting highlights historical specificity through Hebrew and Middle Eastern contexts. However, the film adheres to established genre conventions without challenging Anglo-centric viewpoints.

How does The Small One represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story emphasizes singular religious morality and biblical sanctity, focusing on spiritual duty and traditional family structures without exploring secular or moral relativism.

Does The Small One include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no visible or invisible disabilities portrayed in the characters' stories. The narrative centers on the donkey's journey and religious fulfillment.

Present on Screen

Provides historical and ethnic specificity through its Middle Eastern and Hebrew setting.
Uses atmospheric storytelling to evoke emotional resonance with historical subjects.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation for LGBTQ+ identities, disabilities, or non-traditional gender roles.
Relies on traditional patriarchal structures and singular religious morality without subversion.
Does not explore secularism or diverse cultural perspectives beyond the central religious framework.

Official Synopsis

Ordered by his father to sell an old mule called Small One, a Hebrew boy in the ancient Holy Land takes the donkey to the Jerusalem market. Finding no buyers there, the boy is about to give up when he meets a kind man named Joseph, who buys Small One and uses the steed to take his pregnant wife Mary to Bethlehem.

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