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Kanun

Name: Kanun
Director: Jérémie Guez
Released: 2022
Duration: 95 min

Representation Score

4.8/10

Fair

2022

Director

Jérémie Guez

Runtime

95 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Kanun stands out as a culturally specific thriller that transcends typical Western storytelling by focusing on the Albanian diaspora and traditional customary laws. This offers a fresh, non-Western perspective on justice and morality. However, the film adheres to traditional cinematic boundaries concerning gender and sexuality. The narrative is dominated by male-driven violence and patriarchal structures, offering limited space for diverse gender expressions or LGBTQ+ perspectives. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its nuanced portrayal of ethnic complexity and the exploration of how historical familial obligations intersect with modern individual autonomy.

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Category Breakdown

Does Kanun have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The story revolves around a heterosexual relationship between Lorik and Sema, with no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-traditional gender narratives.

How does Kanun portray gender?

Fair

The plot is driven by male characters operating within patriarchal hierarchies. Although Sema demonstrates strong intellect, the main conflicts and plot drivers are centered around male characters and their roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Kanun?

Good

The film showcases the Albanian diaspora in Brussels, incorporating Turkish-origin characters to create a multicultural urban landscape that reflects various ethnic backgrounds.

How does Kanun represent religion and culture?

Good

The film explores the Kanun tradition, highlighting the tension between ancient customs and modern secularism, providing a unique perspective on justice and morality.

Does Kanun include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not feature any characters with visible or invisible disabilities that play a central role in the plot or character development.

Present on Screen

Strong depiction of diaspora identities and ethnic diversity within a European context.
Effective use of the Kanun tradition to challenge conventional views on justice.
In-depth exploration of the tension between ancient cultural practices and contemporary urban life.

Limited or Absent

Lack of representation for LGBTQ+ identities or non-traditional gender narratives.
Heavy reliance on male-centric conflicts and traditional masculine hierarchies.
Minimal focus on disability or diverse physical experiences in character arcs.

Official Synopsis

The story homes in on Lorik, who's barely thirty years old yet who works as an enforcer for the Albanian mafia in Brussels, alongside his mentor Aleks. And when Lorik falls in love with Sema, a Fine Arts student of Turkish origins, his past comes back to haunt him: a man hailing from Lorik's village in Albania, whose father was killed by the latter's uncle, tracks down the young man and demands that his family's debt be paid for in blood, as per the Kanun tradition. In short, he asks the clan for Lorik's death.

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