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Under the Cherry Moon

Name: Under the Cherry Moon
Director: Prince
Released: 1986
Duration: 100 min

Representation Score

8.5/10

Excellent

1986

PG-13

Director

Prince

Runtime

100 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Under the Cherry Moon stands as a work that disrupts conventional cinematic structures through a highly stylized, avant-garde lens. Prince uses his directorial debut to challenge traditional cinematic norms. The film's strength lies in its ability to blur the lines of identity. By casting a Black man in a female-centric role, it disrupts racialized casting norms while also deconstructing the traditional male gaze. However, the film's impact is somewhat limited by its focus on individual subjectivity. While it excels at postmodern performance, it lacks broader systemic critiques or explicit queer narratives.

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Category Breakdown

Does Under the Cherry Moon have LGBTQ+ representation?

Good

Prince's performance challenges traditional gender roles by portraying a female character. Although there are no explicit queer romantic subplots, the gender-bending approach questions traditional identity.

How does Under the Cherry Moon portray gender?

Excellent

The film challenges traditional gender roles by presenting masculinity and femininity as performative elements within a postmodern, dreamlike aesthetic.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Under the Cherry Moon?

Good

A Black lead actor plays a role typically reserved for white actresses in period pieces. This casting choice serves as a deliberate reclaiming of the screen.

How does Under the Cherry Moon represent religion and culture?

Fair

The narrative focuses on aesthetic experience and personal expression rather than traditional Western storytelling. It explores surreal themes without a direct critique of societal systems.

Does Under the Cherry Moon include disability representation?

Fair

There are no prominent depictions of physical or neurodivergent disabilities. The film does not use disability as a plot device or provide meaningful representation.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional gender roles through Prince's gender-bending lead performance.
Reclaims roles traditionally reserved for white actresses by casting a Black lead actor.
Deconstructs gender as a performative rather than fixed identity.

Limited or Absent

Could include more explicit queer romantic subplots to enhance LGBTQ+ representation.
Needs to provide meaningful representation or depiction of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.
Should engage more with systemic or anti-capitalist critiques within the narrative.

Official Synopsis

Two friends from Miami are in the French Riviera enjoying life by scamming money off of rich women. One day, they read about a young woman set to inherit $50 million from her father. At first, Tricky has Christopher Tracy talked into romancing her for her money, but in getting to know her, Christopher falls in love with her. This love comes between the brothers, and Tricky tells about the plan.

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