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My Small Land

My Small Land

Representation Score

8.3/10

Excellent

2022

Director

Emma Kawawada

Runtime

114 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Emma Kawawada’s film challenges the notion that Japanese society is uniform. By focusing on a Kurdish family, it explores the complexities of multi-layered identity and the challenges of fitting into a new culture while maintaining roots from the past. The film’s strength lies in its portrayal of ethnic diversity and the difficulties faced by displaced populations due to institutional policies. It goes beyond typical dramas to explore the impact of state regulations on family stability. While the film does not specifically address LGBTQ+ issues or disabilities, it offers a fresh perspective on ethnic and institutional norms, diverging from conventional storytelling.

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Category Breakdown

Does My Small Land have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film doesn't focus on LGBTQ+ stories but rather on the survival of a family. It doesn't highlight queer narratives or non-traditional gender expressions.

How does My Small Land portray gender?

Fair

Women in the film face challenging situations, balancing emotional labor and survival within a displaced family. While their roles challenge traditional hierarchies, the main focus is on survival.

How racially and ethnically diverse is My Small Land?

Excellent

The film stands out by focusing on a Kurdish family living in Japan. It highlights the unique experiences of a non-white, non-Japanese family, challenging the idea that Japan is homogeneous.

How does My Small Land represent religion and culture?

Good

The story examines the tension between preserving cultural traditions and adapting to new environments. It also looks at how strict immigration laws affect families trying to settle in a new country.

Does My Small Land include disability representation?

Fair

The film does not include characters with visible or invisible disabilities. Instead, it emphasizes the psychological impact of being displaced and the economic hardships faced by the family.

Present on Screen

  • Highlights the Kurdish diaspora and diverse identities within Japan.
  • Provides a nuanced look at the challenges of state-sanctioned residency for immigrant families.
  • Offers a critical view of traditional Japanese societal norms.

Limited or Absent

  • Does not include LGBTQ+ or non-traditional gender expressions.
  • Does not feature characters with disabilities influencing the plot.
  • Focuses more on survival than on challenging traditional gender roles.

Official Synopsis

Sarya lives between three worlds: Having fled from Turkey to Japan, her small family tries to maintain their Kurdish traditions. On the other hand, Sarya, who arrived when she was five, feels at home in Japan. But then, the family loses its refugee-status. Life becomes unpredictable and their days in Japan seem numbered. A haunting story about the balancing act of finding your place in the world.

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