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American Dragons

Name: American Dragons
Director: Ralph Hemecker
Released: 1998
Duration: 91 min

Representation Score

2.3/10

Limited

1998

Director

Ralph Hemecker

Runtime

91 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

American Dragons is a conventional crime thriller that follows the standard genre conventions of its time. While it incorporates East Asian and Mediterranean criminal structures, it remains a traditional procedural. The film's strength lies in its multicultural setting, which requires a diverse cast to depict interactions between Korean and American law enforcement. However, this diversity serves the plot rather than exploring social issues. Overall, the film lacks engagement with overlapping identities and traditional gender roles, focusing instead on established power structures and masculine dominance.

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Category Breakdown

Does American Dragons have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on the violent conflicts between international crime syndicates. There are no representations of LGBTQ+ identities or non-traditional gender expressions.

How does American Dragons portray gender?

Limited

The story centers on male-dominated spheres of authority, such as police officers and gang leaders. It emphasizes traditional masculine leadership and professional hierarchies typical of late-90s crime films.

How racially and ethnically diverse is American Dragons?

Fair

The international scope includes Korean and American law enforcement, providing a mix of ethnic backgrounds. The plot explores tensions between the Mafia and Yakuza, adding ethnic complexity.

How does American Dragons represent religion and culture?

Limited

The film follows a standard genre structure focused on law enforcement. It restores order through state authority without critiquing Western institutions.

Does American Dragons include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters with visible or invisible disabilities. Disability is not used as a narrative device or plot point.

Present on Screen

The film features a multicultural cast through the inclusion of Korean and American law enforcement.
It explores cross-cultural interactions between different global criminal organizations like the Mafia and Yakuza.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks representation for LGBTQ+ identities and non-traditional gender expressions.
Characters with visible or invisible disabilities are not represented.
The narrative reinforces traditional masculine hierarchies without challenging gender norms.

Official Synopsis

Murders in Seoul, Korea and in America pair two cops from each of the countries together to solve the crimes. The investigation leads to a gang war between the Mafia and the Yakuza, but one that may not be of either of their making. A shadowy assassin is killing the leaders and an Italian assassin may have his own agenda.

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