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120

Name: 120
Director: Özhan Eren, Murat Saraçoğlu
Released: 2008
Duration: 114 min

Representation Score

4.7/10

Fair

2008

Director

Özhan Eren, Murat Saraçoğlu

Runtime

114 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

120 is a sophisticated piece of regional cinema that shifts the focus from macro-scale warfare to a micro-scale examination of communal resilience. By centering Kurdish identity and the pursuit of educational leadership, the film offers a vital perspective outside of centralized state frameworks. The narrative effectively disrupts historical drama clichés by empowering a underrepresented female cohort. These characters act as central agents of social change, challenging entrenched patriarchal and traditionalist structures to drive the plot forward. While the film excels in ethnic and gender representation, it lacks engagement with LGBTQ+ identities or disability representation. However, its critique of institutional power and its focus on grassroots organization provide a rich, nuanced viewing experience.

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Category Breakdown

Does 120 have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or explore non-straight relationships. The story focuses solely on ethnic and gender-based struggles.

How does 120 portray gender?

Good

Women play key roles in driving the plot, challenging the authority of male elders. By establishing a school, the film centers female leadership and subverts traditional patriarchal hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is 120?

Excellent

The story highlights the Kurdish ethnic identity significantly. It delves into the lived experiences and cultural nuances of a minority group within a broader state context.

How does 120 represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film critiques traditionalist power structures and religious institutions that resist social progress. It prioritizes grassroots, collective organization over state-driven or individualistic models.

Does 120 include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no depiction of physical or neurodivergent disabilities in the film's narrative.

Present on Screen

Strong emphasis on Kurdish ethnic identity and non-centralized historical perspectives.
Subverts patriarchal norms by positioning women as central agents of social change.
Effective critique of traditionalist institutions through a lens of progressive communal action.

Limited or Absent

Complete absence of LGBTQ+ representation or non-straight relationships.
No visible focus on characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

During the Sarikamis Battle, the Ottoman army runs out of ammunition and appeals to the people of Van for help, who happen to have supplies. However, the First World War is on and all men are fighting at four corners of the empire and therefore can not respond to to the appeal. The young children of Van want to do something...

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