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Initiation

Name: Initiation
Director: Michael Pearce
Released: 1987
Duration: 92 min

Representation Score

4.0/10

Fair

1987

Director

Michael Pearce

Runtime

92 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film tells a survivalist story that emphasizes the 'man vs. nature' cliché over complex social issues. While it disrupts the ideal family structure through themes of grief and criminality, it remains tied to traditional adventure storytelling. The narrative centers on individual resilience and the collapse of traditional family structures after a crisis. However, it lacks the depth needed to address broader identity-based issues. Overall, the story operates within a conventional framework, highlighting character strength in a harsh environment without challenging social hierarchies.

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Category Breakdown

Does Initiation have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include identifiable LGBTQ+ characters or dynamics. Relationships are centered around traditional family and romantic bonds.

How does Initiation portray gender?

Fair

The film challenges the idea of the stable patriarchal provider through the father's criminal behavior. Female characters are mostly confined to domestic roles and have limited influence over the story's direction.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Initiation?

Limited

The cast is predominantly white and reflects a homogeneous demographic typical of late-80s Australian rural dramas. There is no significant representation of diverse racial identities.

How does Initiation represent religion and culture?

Limited

The film explores moral ambiguity through marijuana smuggling but frames it as an economic necessity. It avoids explicit religious or cultural commentary, focusing instead on a naturalist perspective.

Does Initiation include disability representation?

Limited

Physical injuries serve mainly as a plot device to force characters to become independent. The depiction of disabilities functions as a genre tool rather than a deep exploration of the condition.

Present on Screen

Challenges the stable patriarchal provider through the father's involvement in illegal activities.
Explores moral ambiguity and the breakdown of traditional family structures after a crisis.

Limited or Absent

Lacks diverse racial and ethnic representation, reflecting a homogeneous demographic.
Female characters are often passive or domestic, with limited influence over the story.
Uses physical disabilities primarily as a functional plot device for the adventure genre.
Does not include any representation or subtext related to LGBTQ+ identities.

Official Synopsis

After the death of his mother, teenage Danny visits his father Matt Malloy on a lonesome farm in Australia, where he lives with a girlfriend and her daughter Stevie. The farm has been going bad lately, so Matt starts smuggling Marijuana for a drug connection. When Danny joins him on one of his flights, the two-seater crashes in the middle of nowhere. Since his father is wounded, he has to conquer the jungle alone in search for help.

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