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Human

Name: Human
Director: Yann Arthus-Bertrand
Released: 2015
Duration: 191 min

Representation Score

9.6/10

Excellent

2015

Not Rated

Director

Yann Arthus-Bertrand

Runtime

191 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Human succeeds as a mosaic that rejects a single, authoritative viewpoint. By using close-ups and global testimonies, it creates a complex, layered portrait of existence that challenges Western-centric documentary traditions. The film's greatest achievement is its racial and ethnic visibility, which centers the ability to act of indigenous and non-Western subjects. This approach transforms the documentary from a mere observation into a profound dialogue between diverse cultures. While the film excels in global inclusivity, it sometimes treats disability as a secondary issue rather than a specific subject of ability to act. Nevertheless, its refusal to provide a monolithic narrative makes it a powerful cinematic achievement.

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Category Breakdown

Does Human have LGBTQ+ representation?

Good

The film incorporates non-straight relationships naturally into its global story. Instead of highlighting these identities separately, it presents them as integral parts of the larger human experience.

How does Human portray gender?

Good

Women are portrayed equally with men, often sharing stories of overcoming systemic oppression or taking control of their lives. The film avoids traditional patriarchal views by showing a broad range of gendered experiences and roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Human?

Excellent

This is a standout strength, featuring a non-Western majority from Africa, Asia, and the Americas. It avoids a Eurocentric perspective by letting diverse communities tell their own histories.

How does Human represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The documentary examines systemic structures and globalization through various ethical viewpoints. It highlights the tension between individual identities and the disruptive forces of Western economic systems.

Does Human include disability representation?

Fair

Physical and mental struggles are shown through the lens of human resilience. However, disability is often related to broader issues like war and poverty rather than being explored as a specific subject of ability to act.

Present on Screen

Exceptional racial and ethnic visibility that centers non-Western voices and indigenous ability to act.
Effective disruption of gender hierarchies by providing equal weight to women's testimonies.
A polyphonic narrative structure that avoids a singular, authoritative, or Western-centric perspective.
Organic integration of diverse identities into a cohesive, global human tapestry.

Limited or Absent

Disability representation is often incidental to themes of poverty or war rather than explored deeply.
Lacks a centralized focus on LGBTQ+ protagonists, treating these identities more as part of a broader background.

Official Synopsis

A collection of stories about and images of our world, offering an immersion to the core of what it means to be human. Through these stories full of love and happiness, as well as hatred and violence, it brings us face to face with the Other, making us reflect on our lives. From stories of everyday experiences to accounts of the most unbelievable lives, these poignant encounters share a rare sincerity and underline who we are – our darker side, but also what is most noble in us, and what is universal. Our Earth is shown at its most sublime through never-before-seen aerial images accompanied by soaring music, resulting in an ode to the beauty of the world, providing a moment to draw breath and for introspection. This film is a politically engaged work which allows us to embrace the human condition and to reflect on the meaning of our existence.

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