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In Country

Name: In Country
Director: Norman Jewison
Released: 1989
Duration: 120 min

Representation Score

5.0/10

Fair

1989

Director

Norman Jewison

Runtime

120 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

In Country is a somber exploration of the psychological and systemic impacts of the Vietnam War. It avoids typical heroic narratives by focusing on the domestic aftermath and intergenerational trauma rather than combat. The film excels in its empathetic, non-traditional portrayal of psychological disabilities and its critique of the military-industrial complex. However, it lacks breadth in representing diverse identities, especially in terms of race and LGBTQ+ communities.

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Category Breakdown

Does In Country have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or stories. It focuses solely on heterosexual family structures and the legacy of military service.

How does In Country portray gender?

Fair

Samantha plays a key role in seeking the truth, providing a significant role in driving the story. The film challenges traditional gender roles by centering a female protagonist, while showing male veterans as psychologically vulnerable.

How racially and ethnically diverse is In Country?

Limited

The cast and setting are primarily white, reflecting rural Kentucky and the specific demographics of the time. It does not use a diverse cast to explore multiple aspects of identity.

How does In Country represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative criticizes Western institutions and the military-industrial complex. It portrays patriotic duty and state actions as forces that disrupt the traditional family unit.

Does In Country include disability representation?

Good

The film offers a detailed look at invisible disabilities, particularly PTSD. It treats psychological scars as lived experiences rather than just plot devices.

Present on Screen

Offers a nuanced, serious portrayal of PTSD and invisible psychological disabilities.
Challenges traditional gender roles by centering a female protagonist's role.
Critiques the military-industrial complex and nationalist frameworks.

Limited or Absent

Lacks LGBTQ+ representation and narratives focused on non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.
Features a predominantly white cast with limited racial or ethnic diversity.
Does not explore multiple aspects of identity through a diverse cast.

Official Synopsis

Samantha Hughes, a teenaged Kentucky girl, never knew her father, who died in Vietnam before her birth. Samantha lives with her uncle Emmett, who also served in Vietnam. Emmett hangs around with Tom, Earl, and Pete, three other Vietnam vets who, like Emmett, all have problems of one kind or another that relate to their war experiences. Samantha becomes obsessed with finding out about her father.

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