You are here:

The Cutlass

Name: The Cutlass
Director: Nikolai Kalinin
Released: 1974
Duration: 210 min

Representation Score

1.8/10

Minimal

1974

Director

Nikolai Kalinin

Runtime

210 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The Cutlass is a traditional historical adventure that reinforces the sociopolitical hierarchies of its 1973 Soviet production era. The narrative structure centers on established power dynamics and masculine heroism, particularly through the lens of military conflict. Representation is limited by the film's focus on the Red vs. White Army struggle. This historical framework prioritizes specific ethnic identities and masculine leadership, leaving little room for diverse perspectives. Ultimately, the film serves as a tool for state-sanctioned storytelling, emphasizing collective action and revolutionary ideology rather than individual or diverse identities.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Cutlass have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight identities. The story focuses on military officers and youth adventure, adhering to traditional heterosexual norms.

How does The Cutlass portray gender?

Limited

Male characters, such as Red and White Army officers and young male protagonists, play significant roles in driving the story. Female characters are limited to supporting roles and do not significantly influence the central mystery.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Cutlass?

Fair

Casting likely reflects a homogeneous Slavic population typical of the time. The narrative centers on a localized historical struggle relevant to the Russian Civil War.

How does The Cutlass represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story emphasizes state-centric patriotism and revolutionary ideology over modern pluralism. It frames historical conflict through the lens of state-mandated ideological struggle.

Does The Cutlass include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no mention of characters with visible or invisible disabilities within the narrative.

Present on Screen

Provides a clear historical window into the Soviet-era adventure genre and its ideological frameworks.

Limited or Absent

Lacks gender diversity, as real power is almost exclusively given to male protagonists and officers.
Shows minimal racial and ethnic variety, focusing on a localized Slavic demographic.
Does not include LGBTQ+ representation or characters with disabilities.
Prioritizes state-centric patriotism over a pluralistic or modern cultural perspective.

Official Synopsis

A Red Army officer Polevoy possesses a navy dirk with a secret message encrypted in its handle. The second part of a message belongs to a White army officer Nikitskiy. It's up to three young friends of Polevoy to uncover the mystery.

How are these scores produced? →