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Time of the Gypsies

Name: Time of the Gypsies
Director: Emir Kusturica
Released: 1988
Duration: 142 min

Representation Score

6.8/10

Good

1988

Director

Emir Kusturica

Runtime

142 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Emir Kusturica’s film stands out for its focus on Romani identity and authentic communal experiences. By using magical realism and a Romani-majority cast, the film challenges Eurocentric structures and presents a world governed by communal logic. However, the film maintains traditional patriarchal hierarchies and gender roles. It also lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities and realistic portrayals of disability, opting for supernatural abilities as a narrative device.

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Category Breakdown

Does Time of the Gypsies have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or explore queer dynamics.

How does Time of the Gypsies portray gender?

Fair

Female characters have significant emotional depth and play important roles in the story. However, they operate within a patriarchal social structure.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Time of the Gypsies?

Excellent

The film highlights the Romani experience with a majority Romani cast, challenging traditional Hollywood representations.

How does Time of the Gypsies represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The story presents a world shaped by cultural autonomy and communal ethics, rather than Western institutions.

Does Time of the Gypsies include disability representation?

Fair

The main character's telekinetic abilities are central to the plot, but the film does not realistically depict lived disability experiences.

Present on Screen

Centers Romani identity and authentic communal experiences.
Challenges Western institutional frameworks through cultural autonomy.
Provides the protagonist with unique ability to act through magical realism.

Limited or Absent

Does not include LGBTQ+ characters or explore non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.
Reinforces traditional patriarchal hierarchies and gender roles.
Uses supernatural elements rather than realistic portrayals of disability.

Official Synopsis

Perhan is a gypsy teenager with telekinetic powers. A wealthy gypsy, Ahmed, visits the village and promises to get Perhan's sister the medical treatment she needs if they join him to Italy. Perhan soon discovers that Ahmed's business activities are in fact quite shady and he is soon lured into the elder's corrupt surroundings.

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