You are here:

Revolution

Name: Revolution
Director: Hugh Hudson
Released: 1985
Duration: 126 min

Representation Score

3.6/10

Limited

1985

PG-13

Director

Hugh Hudson

Runtime

126 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Revolution steers away from the typical celebratory tone of historical epics, offering a post-colonial examination of power. By focusing on a mixed-race protagonist, the film presents a fresh outsider perspective on the American colonial era. The narrative effectively dismantles class hierarchies and exposes institutional corruption. It goes beyond simplistic patriotism to explore the tension between individual ability to act and systemic oppression. However, the film remains confined by its emphasis on traditional gender roles and a lack of LGBTQ+ representation. The storytelling leans heavily towards the male experience of the era's turmoil.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Revolution have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or explore non-straight relationships. The interpersonal dynamics focus on traditional 18th-century romantic and family relationships.

How does Revolution portray gender?

Fair

The story mainly centers around the male experience during political upheaval. Although there are female characters like Daisy McConnahay, the narrative primarily reflects the gender roles of the time.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Revolution?

Good

By featuring a protagonist of mixed South Asian descent, the film challenges Western stereotypes. This casting highlights the nuances of freedom within a society that sidelines certain groups.

How does Revolution represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The story strongly critiques class-based power and established political hierarchies. It portrays the breakdown of social order as a reaction to systemic corruption.

Does Revolution include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters with visible or invisible disabilities playing central roles in the narrative. The plot does not use disability as a primary element.

Present on Screen

The use of a mixed-race protagonist provides a sophisticated, non-traditional view of colonial history.
The film offers a compelling critique of class-based power and systemic institutionalism.
It avoids hagiographic clichés by depicting protagonists as conflicted and disillusioned rather than heroic.

Limited or Absent

The narrative lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities and non-straight relationships.
Gender dynamics are limited, with the story focusing predominantly on male experiences of upheaval.
There is no significant inclusion of characters with disabilities within the central plot.

Official Synopsis

New York trapper Tom Dobb becomes an unwilling participant in the American Revolution after his son Ned is drafted into the Army by the villainous Sergeant Major Peasy. Tom attempts to find his son, and eventually becomes convinced that he must take a stand and fight for the freedom of the Colonies, alongside the aristocratic rebel Daisy McConnahay. As Tom undergoes his change of heart, the events of the war unfold in large-scale grandeur.

How are these scores produced? →