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Away with Words

Name: Away with Words
Director: Christopher Doyle
Released: 1999
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

5.9/10

Fair

1999

Director

Christopher Doyle

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Away with Words is a simple story focused on personal connections rather than big events. By focusing on a conversation between two men from different countries, the film explores multi-layered identities and cross-cultural interactions. The film successfully centers on underrepresented voices through its LGBTQ+ setting and international casting. It moves away from typical, high-stakes stories to focus on personal experiences and connections. While the focus on male relationships limits the range of gender representation, the film effectively breaks away from standard storytelling by emphasizing personal ability to act and diverse social roles.

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Category Breakdown

Does Away with Words have LGBTQ+ representation?

Good

The film centers around a gay bar owner, making LGBTQ+ identity a key part of the setting. This environment allows for a deeper look at non-straight identities, making them feel normal rather than unusual.

How does Away with Words portray gender?

Fair

The story focuses on conversations between two men, highlighting their close relationship and vulnerability. It moves away from typical male hero stories by showing a more sensitive side of masculinity.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Away with Words?

Good

The film features a Japanese protagonist interacting in Hong Kong. This mix of cultures challenges typical movie settings by exploring the dynamics between locals and foreigners.

How does Away with Words represent religion and culture?

Good

The Hong Kong bar setting highlights personal histories and shared experiences. It focuses on individual truths and secular ideas rather than big religious stories.

Does Away with Words include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no visible or mentioned representation of physical or neurodivergent disabilities in this work.

Present on Screen

Strong characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity through the pairing of a Japanese protagonist and a gay bar owner.
Effective use of a queer-coded setting to make non-straight identities seem normal.
Challenging typical movie settings by exploring cross-cultural and expatriate dynamics.

Limited or Absent