You are here:

The Frontier

Name: The Frontier
Director: Ricardo Larraín
Released: 1991
Duration: 120 min

Representation Score

4.8/10

Fair

1991

Director

Ricardo Larraín

Runtime

120 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The Frontier is a regional drama that stands out by focusing on Chilean socio-political realities rather than following Western narrative conventions. Its strength lies in its critique of state institutions and the use of landscape as a metaphor for displacement. However, the film remains confined to traditional character types. The romantic and gender dynamics follow conventional patterns, and the narrative does not engage with diverse identity politics or LGBTQ+ themes. Overall, the film offers a nuanced exploration of human vulnerability against political and natural forces, even though it adheres to traditional social frameworks.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Frontier have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film focuses on a traditional heterosexual relationship between Ramiro and Maite. There are no queer narratives or non-conforming gender identities presented.

How does The Frontier portray gender?

Fair

Gender roles are explored through themes of protection and vulnerability. Maite’s role revolves around family responsibilities, while Ramiro embodies a contemplative, intellectual stance.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Frontier?

Good

Set in the Chilean countryside, the film offers a non-Western viewpoint. By highlighting local contexts, it challenges Hollywood dominance and centers South American social realities.

How does The Frontier represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative critiques state stability by focusing on internal exile and political upheaval. It uses the natural environment to mirror the fragility of human structures.

Does The Frontier include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not depict physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Present on Screen

Provides a meaningful non-Western perspective by centering South American social realities.
Offers a sophisticated critique of state institutions through the theme of internal exile.
Uses the natural environment effectively as a metaphor for psychological and political instability.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-conforming gender narratives.
Gender roles remain somewhat traditional, with female roles tied to family obligations.
Does not address physical or neurodivergent disabilities within the narrative.

Official Synopsis

A Chilean teacher, Ramiro, is sentenced to internal exile in a southern town where tidal waves often appear. He falls for a woman, Maite, whose father asks him to take her away. Although he gets his freedom he doesn't leave and when the water rises, Maite and her father die, and Ramiro flees to the hills.

How are these scores produced? →