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Practical Magic

Name: Practical Magic
Director: Griffin Dunne
Released: 1998
Duration: 104 min

Representation Score

4.7/10

Fair

1998

PG-13

Director

Griffin Dunne

Runtime

104 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Practical Magic stands out for its emphasis on female autonomy and collective power. By focusing on the Owens sisters, the film challenges traditional gender hierarchies and highlights female solidarity. However, the film's social scope is limited, with a predominantly white, upper-middle-class setting and a lack of diverse ethnic and LGBTQ+ representation. The film succeeds in portraying female autonomy through the lens of witchcraft, even if it does not offer a broad range of ethnic or sexual identities.

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Category Breakdown

Does Practical Magic have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film focuses on heterosexual relationships and does not explicitly depict queer identities or non-traditional gender orientations. The bond between the sisters is strong, but there are no clear representations of LGBTQ+ characters.

How does Practical Magic portray gender?

Excellent

The film emphasizes female solidarity and challenges traditional gender roles. Female characters use magic to overcome patriarchal threats, highlighting their collective strength and independence.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Practical Magic?

Limited

The cast is primarily white and Anglo-Saxon, reflecting the New England setting. The film does not include diverse ethnic backgrounds to broaden its social scope.

How does Practical Magic represent religion and culture?

Good

The film highlights ancestral spirituality rather than organized religion. It portrays the witches' outsider status as a form of empowerment, allowing them to bypass conventional societal and religious constraints.

Does Practical Magic include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no prominent depictions of visible or invisible disabilities that significantly impact the main character arcs or the plot.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional gender hierarchies through female-centric power dynamics.
Highlights the emotional strength and solidarity among female characters.
Uses magic effectively to navigate and overcome patriarchal threats.

Limited or Absent

Limited racial and ethnic diversity within the cast and setting.
Minimal representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-traditional gender orientations.
Relies on traditional heterosexual dynamics to drive the primary plot.

Official Synopsis

Sally and Gillian Owens, born into a magical family, have mostly avoided witchcraft themselves. But when Gillian's vicious boyfriend, Jimmy Angelov, dies unexpectedly, the Owens sisters give themselves a crash course in hard magic. With policeman Gary Hallet growing suspicious, the girls struggle to resurrect Angelov -- and unwittingly inject his corpse with an evil spirit that threatens to end their family line.

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