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The Touch

Name: The Touch
Director: Amanzhol Aituarov
Released: 1989
Duration: 75 min

Representation Score

5.5/10

Fair

1989

Director

Amanzhol Aituarov

Runtime

75 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film centers on a transformative romance between a blind woman and a gangster. It places a underrepresented individual at the heart of the narrative, using her disability as a driver for the plot rather than a passive trait. However, the reliance on the 'miracle cure' cliché can risk romanticizing disability. Additionally, the story adheres to traditional tragic structures and straight-centered romantic arcs. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its non-Western perspective and its ability to disrupt social hierarchies through its central character's ability to drive the story.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Touch have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or narratives. The central romance follows a traditional relationship structure.

How does The Touch portray gender?

Fair

The female protagonist plays a significant role in driving the story. However, the narrative's tragic ending may rely on traditional melodramatic gender clichés.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Touch?

Good

Directed by Amanzhol Aituarov, the film provides a non-Western, Central Asian perspective. This offers a necessary alternative to Anglo-centric cinematic norms.

How does The Touch represent religion and culture?

Fair

Themes of fate and miracles suggest a spiritualist lean. The presence of a gangster character hints at a critique of social stability and systemic lawlessness.

Does The Touch include disability representation?

Good

The protagonist's blindness drives the central plot development. While using a miracle cliché, the character's experience serves as a primary catalyst for change.

Present on Screen

Centers a underrepresented protagonist as the primary driver of the narrative.
Offers a non-Western cinematic perspective through its Central Asian production context.
Provides a significant role in driving the story to the female lead within the romantic arc.

Limited or Absent

Relies on the 'miracle cure' cliché which can diminish the reality of disability.
Adheres to traditional, potentially reductive melodramatic gender clichés.
Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or narratives.

Official Synopsis

On her way to the Promised Land, a blind girl meets a gangster and they fall in love. Their love makes a miracle: the girl regains her sight. This romantic story ends tragically.

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