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For Happiness

Name: For Happiness
Director: Yevgeni Bauer
Released: 1917
Duration: 41 min

Representation Score

3.5/10

Limited

1917

Director

Yevgeni Bauer

Runtime

41 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Yevgeni Bauer’s drama centers on the complex emotional landscape of a mother and daughter. While the film adheres to the structural norms of early 20th-century melodrama, it provides a notable degree of ability to act to its female lead, Zoya. However, the film is limited by its historical context, showing significant demographic homogeneity. The narrative lacks LGBTQ+ representation and focuses on a traditional social framework typical of the era. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its focus on character interiority and the lived experience of physical vulnerability, even if these elements serve traditional dramatic purposes.

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Category Breakdown

Does For Happiness have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any characters with non-straight sexual orientations or gender identities. The story focuses entirely on traditional romantic relationships and family ties.

How does For Happiness portray gender?

Fair

Zoya Verenskaya serves as a strong central protagonist. her ability to act is defined by her maternal devotion and her ability to prioritize her daughter's health over marriage.

How racially and ethnically diverse is For Happiness?

Minimal

The production reflects the demographic homogeneity of 1917 Imperial Russia. There is no indication of diverse racial or ethnic casting within the narrative.

How does For Happiness represent religion and culture?

Fair

The drama explores the tension between individual desire and familial duty. It moves toward emotional realism rather than a strictly didactic or moralistic framework.

Does For Happiness include disability representation?

Fair

Lee's impending blindness is a primary catalyst for the film's emotional stakes. Her physical vulnerability drives the central character arcs and plot conflicts.

Present on Screen

The female protagonist exhibits a significant role in driving the story and autonomy in her decision-making.
The narrative prioritizes psychological depth and complex emotional landscapes.
Disability is used as a central, driving force for the film's emotional stakes.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks any representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight relationships.
There is a notable absence of racial and ethnic diversity in the cast.
The cultural scope remains narrow, focusing on traditional social and familial structures.

Official Synopsis

Since Zoya Verenskaya's husband passed away ten years ago, she has been devoted to her daughter Lee. At present, Lee is in poor health, and she is in danger of losing her eyesight. Zoya's suitor Dmitry wants to get married, but Zoya is determined to wait until Lee is better. Then, on a vacation in the Crimea, they learn Lee's true feelings for Dmitry, and suddenly all of their lives are thrown into turmoil.

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