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Always Be with You

Always Be with You

Representation Score

5.7/10

Fair

2017

Director

Herman Yau

Runtime

98 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Always Be with You is a genre-driven horror mystery that adheres to established cinematic conventions. The narrative centers on traditional storylines, such as a central heterosexual romance and a protagonist facing a terminal illness used to drive tension. While the film offers some female empowerment through a woman taking charge of a business after a tragedy, it does not intentionally challenge broader social norms. The setting is culturally specific to Hong Kong, providing a natural East Asian context but not actively disrupting demographic norms. Ultimately, the film prioritizes genre mechanics—death, tragedy, and mystery—over the systematic deconstruction of social hierarchies or the representation of underrepresented identities.

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Category Breakdown

Does Always Be with You have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The story revolves around a traditional romantic relationship between a male hotel owner and his girlfriend. There is no indication of non-straight relationships or narratives that challenge the assumption that everyone is straight.

How does Always Be with You portray gender?

Fair

A female character gains a significant role in driving the story by taking control of a hotel following a tragedy. However, it is unclear whether this shift subverts or follows traditional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Always Be with You?

Fair

Set in Hong Kong, the film features a predominantly East Asian cast. The representation aligns with the local context but does not aim to blend diverse ethnic groups.

How does Always Be with You represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film delves into themes of mortality and systemic tragedy through a lens of fatalism. It avoids idealized community portrayals, focusing instead on individual suffering and social instability.

Does Always Be with You include disability representation?

Limited

The protagonist faces a terminal cancer diagnosis, serving as a catalyst for plot tension. It is unclear if the character maintains control over their situation or if the illness merely increases the sense of dread.

Present on Screen

  • Empowers a woman by giving her control of a business after a tragedy.
  • Features a culturally authentic Hong Kong setting with a predominantly East Asian cast.

Limited or Absent

  • Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or narratives that question the assumption everyone is straight.
  • Uses terminal illness primarily as a plot device for dread rather than exploring character control.
  • Does not actively work to disrupt traditional gender roles or demographic norms.

Official Synopsis

Taxi driver David, who's doomed after a terminal cancer diagnosis, accidentally kills hotel owner Patrick in a car crash. Patrick's girlfriend takes over his hotel by a lake in Hong Kong, which is soon plagued by serial suicidal incidents.

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