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Day of the Assassin

Name: Day of the Assassin
Director: Brian Trenchard-Smith, Carlos Vasallo
Released: 1979
Duration: 95 min

Representation Score

2.6/10

Limited

1979

Not Rated

Director

Brian Trenchard-Smith, Carlos Vasallo

Runtime

95 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Day of the Assassin is a co-production that achieves a level of racial and international diversity uncommon for its time. Its multi-ethnic cast and Mexican setting break the mold of homogeneous Western casts typical of 1970s action films. However, the film remains entrenched in traditional genre clichés. Gender roles are confined to secondary positions, and the narrative centers on capitalist goals rather than deeper social critiques. The film presents a visually diverse cast but lacks progressive thematic depth or representation for underrepresented groups.

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Category Breakdown

Does Day of the Assassin have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film sticks to typical 1979 action conventions and focuses on relationships between men and women. There are no LGBTQ+ characters or stories that question traditional norms.

How does Day of the Assassin portray gender?

Limited

Despite Susana Dosamantes having top billing, the story follows a traditional structure. Female characters seem to play supporting roles or serve as romantic interests in the adventure.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Day of the Assassin?

Fair

The film includes a diverse cast featuring Richard Roundtree and other actors from Mexico and Spain. This mix of ethnicities adds a global perspective for the time period.

How does Day of the Assassin represent religion and culture?

Fair

The movie uses a treasure-hunting theme focused on wealth. Although set internationally, the story stays within a conventional Western adventure format without challenging institutions.

Does Day of the Assassin include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters with visible or hidden disabilities in the story.

Present on Screen

Features a notably diverse, multi-ethnic ensemble for the late 1970s.
Includes Richard Roundtree, a trailblazer for Black representation in action cinema.
Uses a transnational production model involving American, Spanish, and Mexican elements.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation for LGBTQ+ identities or narratives.
Female characters appear limited to supporting roles or romantic motivations.
Provides no representation for characters with disabilities.
Narrative themes prioritize wealth pursuit over meaningful cultural or systemic critique.

Official Synopsis

Treasure hunters from around the world race to Mexico after a Middle Eastern luxury yacht explodes, sending a Shah's fortune and mysterious document to the bottom of the ocean.

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