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Wilderness: Part 2

Name: Wilderness: Part 2
Director: Yoshiyuki Kishi
Released: 2017
Duration: 147 min

Representation Score

7.4/10

Good

2017

Director

Yoshiyuki Kishi

Runtime

147 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Wilderness: Part 2 is a gritty character study that finds strength in vulnerability. By centering on characters like Barikan, who struggles with a stutter and extreme shyness, the film disrupts traditional cinematic portrayals of male competence and social ease. The film excels in its portrayal of disability and social marginalization, using the urban landscape of Shinjuku to explore the lives of those on the fringes of society. However, the film remains limited by its narrow demographic focus, with a heavy emphasis on male protagonists and a lack of explicit LGBTQ+ representation.

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Category Breakdown

Does Wilderness: Part 2 have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film highlights the friendship between two male characters but does not depict any non-straight or non-cisgender identities or intimate relationships.

How does Wilderness: Part 2 portray gender?

Fair

The story primarily features male characters and follows traditional storytelling structures. However, it avoids overly masculine clichés by emphasizing vulnerability and social struggle.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Wilderness: Part 2?

Fair

Set in Shinjuku, the film reflects a specific Japanese cultural context. It moves away from idealized depictions by focusing on social outcasts and urban stratification.

How does Wilderness: Part 2 represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative prioritizes the perspective of individuals who face systemic challenges and navigate difficult economic conditions. It critiques established social institutions through its characters' struggles.

Does Wilderness: Part 2 include disability representation?

Good

Barikan provides meaningful representation of neurodivergence and communication disabilities. His stutter and social anxiety are central to the emotional arc rather than secondary traits.

Present on Screen

Meaningful representation of neurodivergence through Barikan's stutter and social anxiety.
Avoids overly masculine clichés by focusing on character vulnerability.
Provides a nuanced critique of systemic structures and social institutions.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight relationships.
Narrative focus is heavily centered on male protagonists, limiting gender diversity.
Cultural scope is restricted to a specific Japanese demographic context.

Official Synopsis

Set in the near future around Shinjuku, Tokyo. Shinji got out from a youth detention center. Barikan suffers from stuttering and extreme shyness. These two men meet in a boxing gym. Shinji and Barikan become friends and pursue boxing under a hopeless situation.

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