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Breakthrough

Name: Breakthrough
Director: Andrew V. McLaglen
Released: 1979
Duration: 93 min

Representation Score

0.9/10

Minimal

1979

Director

Andrew V. McLaglen

Runtime

93 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Breakthrough is a traditional genre piece that prioritizes classic archetypes and conventional social structures. The narrative relies on established historical hierarchies rather than challenging them. The film focuses on masculine leadership and physical prowess, offering little room for diverse perspectives or non-traditional identities. It adheres to the cinematic conventions of its time, maintaining a homogeneous cast and a traditional social order.

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Category Breakdown

Does Breakthrough have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film operates within a strictly heterosexual and cisgender framework. There are no LGBTQ+ characters or non-conforming gender identities present.

How does Breakthrough portray gender?

Limited

The narrative emphasizes masculine authority and physical strength. Female characters are relegated to supporting roles that reinforce traditional gender hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Breakthrough?

Minimal

The cast is primarily homogeneous, reflecting typical 1970s casting practices. The story does not use diverse casting to challenge societal norms.

How does Breakthrough represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story upholds traditional Western values of justice and authority. It clearly separates order from chaos without critiquing established social hierarchies.

Does Breakthrough include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no significant depictions of physical, sensory, or neurodivergent disabilities. Characters are defined by their physical abilities and survival skills.

Present on Screen

The film maintains a clear, cohesive narrative structure based on established historical and genre conventions.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks representation for LGBTQ+ identities, neurodivergent individuals, and people with disabilities.
Female characters are confined to secondary roles that reinforce traditional gender hierarchies.
The cast is predominantly homogeneous, offering little racial or ethnic diversity.

Official Synopsis

Starting in late May 1944, during the German retreat on the Eastern Front, Captain Stransky (Helmut Griem) orders Sergeant Steiner (Richard Burton) to blow up a railway tunnel to prevent Russian forces from using it. Steiner's platoon fails in its mission by coming up against a Russian tank. Steiner then takes a furlough to Paris just as the Allies launch their invasion of Normandy.

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