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Rock Paper Scissors

Name: Rock Paper Scissors
Director: Yan Lanouette Turgeon
Released: 2013
Duration: 115 min

Representation Score

7.4/10

Good

2013

Director

Yan Lanouette Turgeon

Runtime

115 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Rock Paper Scissors stands out as a gritty, multicultural character study that challenges traditional Canadian cinematic perspectives. By intertwining the stories of an Aboriginal youth, an Italian immigrant, and ties to Chinese organized crime, the film offers a rich tapestry of urban survival and intersecting struggles. However, the film leans heavily on traditional narrative structures concerning gender and sexuality. The central action revolves almost entirely around male characters, relegating female characters to peripheral, reactive roles. This results in a lopsided dynamic where women exist mainly to motivate male protagonists rather than driving the plot themselves. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its systemic critique. It employs diverse identities to explore how poverty, cognitive decline, and criminal entanglements compel individuals to navigate the failures of family and professional institutions.

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Category Breakdown

Does Rock Paper Scissors have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film centers on the experiences of three male protagonists and does not include any explicit queer identities or non-cisgender subtext in the main storyline.

How does Rock Paper Scissors portray gender?

Fair

The movie focuses on the journeys of male characters such as Boucane, Lorenzo, and Vincent. Female characters like Rosa Maria play important roles but primarily serve as catalysts for male motivations rather than independent actors.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Rock Paper Scissors?

Excellent

The film showcases a multicultural society by featuring an Aboriginal protagonist and an Italian immigrant. It also delves into connections with Chinese organized crime, providing a nuanced look at ethnic identity.

How does Rock Paper Scissors represent religion and culture?

Good

The story critiques institutional stability by depicting broken family units and professional failures. It emphasizes individual survival over traditional Western social structures through a lens of gritty realism.

Does Rock Paper Scissors include disability representation?

Fair

Alzheimer’s disease is highlighted through Rosa Maria, exploring themes of cognitive disability. Her condition drives the emotional stakes and examines the dignity and burden of caregiving.

Present on Screen

Strong portrayal of a multicultural social fabric through diverse ethnic identities.
Nuanced exploration of the immigrant experience and Aboriginal ability to act.
Effective use of cognitive disability to drive emotional stakes and caregiving themes.

Limited or Absent

Lack of visible LGBTQ+ representation or ability to act within the core narrative.
Heavy male-centric focus that sidelines female characters.
Limited autonomy for female characters, who often serve as mere plot catalysts.

Official Synopsis

Four men are each looking for a way out. Their fates collide one night.

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