You are here:

Northwest Passage

Name: Northwest Passage
Director: King Vidor
Released: 1940
Duration: 126 min

Representation Score

1.1/10

Minimal

1940

Director

King Vidor

Runtime

126 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Northwest Passage is a traditional adventure drama reflecting the social hierarchies of its 1940 production era. The film prioritizes historical exploration and military discipline over challenging established social and racial hierarchies. While the film includes some intercultural interactions, such as the relationship between a British officer and an indigenous woman, the overall narrative remains rooted in a colonialist framework. The story upholds conventional Western values and patriarchal roles. Ultimately, the film serves as a typical survivalist tale of its time. It lacks the depth needed to challenge the social and racial hierarchies of the era.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Northwest Passage have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film adheres to traditional assumptions where everyone is assumed to be straight and cisgender. There are no depictions of diverse sexual orientations or gender identities, nor any critique of traditional social norms.

How does Northwest Passage portray gender?

Limited

Men play the primary roles in driving the military and exploratory missions. Women mostly have supporting roles and react to the actions of male characters within a patriarchal system.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Northwest Passage?

Fair

The story centers around expeditions led by Western powers. A relationship between a British officer and an indigenous woman provides a rare example of racial integration for the time.

How does Northwest Passage represent religion and culture?

Limited

The film highlights Western expansion and patriotism. It does not critique Western institutions but rather emphasizes the discipline and unity of the expeditionary force.

Does Northwest Passage include disability representation?

Minimal

The plot focuses on the physical endurance of able-bodied men. Characters with disabilities are not represented.

Present on Screen

Features a rare instance of racial integration through the relationship between a British officer and an indigenous woman.
Highlights the physical endurance and discipline of the expeditionary force.

Limited or Absent

Does not include representations of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender characters.
Reinforces patriarchal structures by limiting women's roles to secondary positions.
Operates within a colonialist framework that prioritizes Western expansion.
Does not represent characters with disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Based on the Kenneth Roberts novel of the same name, this film tells the story of two friends who join Rogers' Rangers, as the legendary elite force engages the enemy during the French and Indian War. The film focuses on their famous raid at Fort St. Francis and their marches before and after the battle.

How are these scores produced? →