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Usogui

Name: Usogui
Director: Hideo Nakata
Released: 2022
Duration: 119 min

Representation Score

4.9/10

Fair

2022

Director

Hideo Nakata

Runtime

119 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Usogui is a genre-driven thriller that prioritizes the mechanics of a high-stakes death game over identity-based subplots. Its strength lies in exploring moral relativism and subverting social order through its underground setting. However, the film lacks significant markers of diversity, featuring a largely homogeneous cast and no explicit representation of LGBTQ+ or disabled characters.

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Category Breakdown

Does Usogui have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film centers on high-stakes gambling and psychological manipulation. There are no explicit LGBTQ+ characters or discussions of non-binary gender identities.

How does Usogui portray gender?

Fair

Mai Shiraishi is a strong female character, but the main conflict revolves around the male protagonist's actions. The story emphasizes professional skill in a meritocratic environment.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Usogui?

Fair

The cast is primarily Japanese, reflecting a localized cultural perspective. The film does not seek global characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity.

How does Usogui represent religion and culture?

Good

The film critiques institutional authority by focusing on an illegal gambling den. It explores themes of individual ability to act and moral relativism.

Does Usogui include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no apparent inclusion or portrayal of characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Present on Screen

Offers a sophisticated critique of institutional authority and state-sanctioned law.
Explores complex themes of moral relativism and subjective truth.
Provides a meritocratic environment where professional skill takes precedence over traditional social hierarchies.

Limited or Absent

Lacks meaningful representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-binary characters.
Features a predominantly homogeneous cast with little ethnic diversity.
Provides no discernible portrayal of characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Madarame Baku is a mysterious gambler. His nickname is Usogui (literally The Lie Eater). Club Kakerou is the top illegal gambling den, where gamblers vie to become the best in their profession. Seeing through the lies of others, Madarame Baku challenges a variety of high stakes games at Club Kakerou.

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