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Around the World in 80 Days

Name: Around the World in 80 Days
Director: Frank Coraci
Released: 2004
Duration: 120 min

Representation Score

3.5/10

Limited

2004

Director

Frank Coraci

Runtime

120 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film breaks from the uniform casting often seen in 19th-century period pieces by highlighting an interracial friendship and an empowered female lead. This disrupts traditional historical hierarchies. However, the narrative stays within the realm of mainstream escapist comedy, relying on high-adventure clichés and avoiding complex identity politics or systemic critiques. Overall, while the film achieves meaningful representation through its character dynamics, it falls short of the multi-layered complexity needed for a higher diversity score.

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Category Breakdown

Does Around the World in 80 Days have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film doesn't include any LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight identities. Romantic relationships are limited to traditional heterosexual pairings.

How does Around the World in 80 Days portray gender?

Good

Audrey is portrayed as an active adventurer with significant influence over the plot, challenging the gender norms of the Victorian era. She avoids passive or domestic roles, instead driving the story forward with her own abilities.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Around the World in 80 Days?

Fair

An important interracial friendship between Phileas Fogg and Passepartout forms the emotional heart of the story. Casting a non-Anglo-Saxon lead adds diversity, breaking from typical period drama conventions.

How does Around the World in 80 Days represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story focuses on individual adventure and travel spectacle rather than religious or institutional themes. However, it doesn't deeply critique Western dominance or capitalism.

Does Around the World in 80 Days include disability representation?

Minimal

The film doesn't prominently feature any visible or invisible disabilities that play key roles in the story or drive the plot.

Present on Screen

The central interracial friendship between Fogg and Passepartout provides a strong emotional core.
Audrey challenges Victorian gender norms by being an active, influential adventurer.
The globalized casting reflects the film's international setting well.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks any representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight characters.
The narrative avoids deep critiques of Western dominance or capitalism.
The comedic approach sometimes leans into caricature rather than nuanced cultural portrayal.

Official Synopsis

A bet pits a British inventor, a Chinese thief and a French artist on a worldwide adventure that they can circle the globe in 80 days.

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