You are here:

The Big 4

The Big 4

Representation Score

5.7/10

Fair

2022

TV-MA

Director

Timo Tjahjanto

Runtime

141 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The Big 4 stands out for its commitment to a non-Western narrative framework and its subversion of gendered action clichés. By centering an Indonesian cast and setting, the film successfully moves away from the white-centric norms common in global action cinema. While the film excels in racial and gender representation, it lacks diversity regarding LGBTQ+ identities and disability. The narrative focus remains tightly on the central ensemble's survival and the deconstruction of systemic corruption. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its powerful female lead and its sophisticated, morally complex approach to justice and authority.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Big 4 have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film doesn't include any explicit LGBTQ+ characters or non-cisgender identities. It focuses on survival and ensemble dynamics without delving into queer themes.

How does The Big 4 portray gender?

Good

Dan is a strong female character who drives the plot through her intelligence and combat skills. She challenges traditional hierarchies by navigating a hyper-masculine world without falling into submissive stereotypes.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Big 4?

Excellent

An all-Indonesian cast and setting provide a rich portrayal of local identity. The film avoids a Western perspective by focusing on a non-Anglo-Saxon viewpoint within its own cultural context.

How does The Big 4 represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The story questions institutional integrity by showing state-sanctioned assassins and systemic corruption. It uses moral ambiguity to break down traditional views of justice and authority.

Does The Big 4 include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no prominent depictions of visible or invisible disabilities used as central narrative drivers in the film.

Present on Screen

  • Strong subversion of gendered action clichés through a powerful female lead.
  • Authentic Indonesian identity and non-Western perspective.
  • Sophisticated critique of systemic corruption and institutional decay.

Limited or Absent

  • Lack of LGBTQ+ representation or queer themes.
  • Absence of characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

A by-the-book female detective teams up with four down-on-their-luck assassins to investigate her father's murder.

How are these scores produced? →

Where to Watch

Rate this Movie

No rating selected
Use arrow keys to select a rating from 1 to 5 stars
Optional text review, maximum 2000 characters
Tip: Wrap spoilers with ||double pipes|| to hide them
0/2000 characters
You must be signed in to submit a rating

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!

Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.