You are here:

The International

Name: The International
Director: Tom Tykwer
Released: 2009
Duration: 118 min

Representation Score

6.7/10

Good

2009

Director

Tom Tykwer

Runtime

118 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The film functions as a postmodern critique of globalized capital, using the thriller genre to deconstruct the stability of Western financial institutions. It excels in its examination of the systemic corruption of supra-national banking entities rather than individual morality. While offering a sophisticated anti-capitalist framework, the film remains limited in its representation of specific identity groups. The narrative relies on a traditional investigative structure that often defaults to conventional gendered roles and straight-centered dynamics. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its thematic deconstruction of neoliberalism, trading deep character-driven diversity for a broad, globalized ensemble that mirrors its internationalist setting.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The International have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not engage with LGBTQ+ narratives or non-cisgender identities. Character dynamics focus solely on heterosexual professional and personal relationships.

How does The International portray gender?

Fair

The film features a highly capable female protagonist who provides an intellectual counterbalance to the male lead. However, the narrative's momentum is still largely driven by the male protagonist.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The International?

Fair

The cast reflects a cosmopolitan, international perspective suited to its global settings. While geographically diverse, the film does not center underrepresented racial perspectives or identity politics.

How does The International represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film excels in its sophisticated critique of Western financial structures. It portrays global institutions as systemic engines of oppression that destabilize sovereign governments for profit.

Does The International include disability representation?

Limited

There is minimal engagement with disability representation. Characters with physical or neurodivergent traits are not central to the narrative arc or character development.

Present on Screen

Features a highly capable female protagonist who serves as an intellectual counterbalance to the male lead.
Offers a sophisticated, aggressive deconstruction of traditional Western institutions and neoliberalism.
Utilizes a cosmopolitan, international cast that reflects its global settings in Berlin, Milan, and Istanbul.

Limited or Absent

Lacks significant engagement with LGBTQ+ themes or non-cisgender identities.
Fails to utilize disability or neurodivergence as tools for character depth or ability to act.
Does not explicitly center underrepresented racial perspectives or identity politics within its globalized ensemble.

Official Synopsis

An interpol agent and an attorney are determined to bring one of the world's most powerful banks to justice. Uncovering money laundering, arms trading, and conspiracy to destabilize world governments, their investigation takes them from Berlin, Milan, New York and Istanbul. Finding themselves in a chase across the globe, their relentless tenacity puts their own lives at risk.

How are these scores produced? →