You are here:

Roots

Name: Roots
Director: Guguli Mgeladze
Released: 1987
Duration: 87 min

Representation Score

5.0/10

Fair

1987

Director

Guguli Mgeladze

Runtime

87 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Roots is a poignant study of diaspora that succeeds by highlighting a non-Western ethnic experience. It avoids centering Western European hegemony, focusing instead on preserving Georgian identity through language and song. While the film excels in ethnic and cultural depth, it relies on traditional patriarchal structures, limiting the roles of women and excluding LGBTQ+ representation. The film's strength lies in its exploration of how identity persists across geographic divides, even as it adheres to traditional gender roles of its time.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Roots have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film follows a traditional path focused on heterosexual relationships and does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or identities.

How does Roots portray gender?

Fair

The story centers around a male protagonist and his family, emphasizing traditional gender roles where women have limited influence outside the home.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Roots?

Excellent

The film highlights the experience of Georgian migrants in Paris, showing how ethnic identity is maintained despite cultural assimilation pressures.

How does Roots represent religion and culture?

Good

The movie emphasizes local cultural traditions and ancestral heritage, using language and rituals to preserve a sense of community and identity.

Does Roots include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no depiction or mention of physical or neurodivergent disabilities in the film.

Present on Screen

Strong focus on Georgian ethnic identity and the migrant experience.
Explores the preservation of culture through folk songs and language.
Provides a non-Eurocentric perspective on life in Western Europe.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight-centered characters.
Gender roles are limited to traditional, domestic, and patriarchal structures.
No visible depiction of disability or neurodivergent experiences.

Official Synopsis

In the hot summer of 1917, the nineteen-year-old peasant Georgy Zakareishvili left his village in search of work and, settling on a French ship, soon found himself in Paris, where he married a Frenchwoman. Modest wealth, beloved wife, sons and a faithful friend helped him to endure separation from his homeland. When the opportunity came to his homeland, George was already old and could not postpone the upcoming meeting with his native Georgia. He tried to convey his love to his grandson George: he sang folk songs, taught Georgian, talked about the people of his village. And now, in fulfillment of his grandfather’s orders, George the Younger took his ashes to his homeland...

How are these scores produced? →