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North

Name: North
Director: Rune Denstad Langlo
Released: 2009
Duration: 78 min

Representation Score

3.7/10

Limited

2009

Director

Rune Denstad Langlo

Runtime

78 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

North is a character-driven story that focuses on the protagonist's emotional journey. By breaking down the 'strong athlete' stereotype, the film presents a male lead who is sensitive and socially challenged rather than powerful. While the film successfully addresses mental health issues with respect, it remains a localized and uniform production. Its narrow focus on a single male perspective limits its broad appeal. Overall, the film is a reflective exploration of personal existential questions. It avoids traditional ideas of masculine toughness but needs more diverse characters and viewpoints for wider impact.

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Category Breakdown

Does North have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film doesn't include any LGBTQ+ characters or stories that question the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender. The plot centers on the main character's journey towards becoming a father.

How does North portray gender?

Fair

Jomar's sensitivity challenges the typical tough guy image by showing him as gentle and uncertain. However, the movie doesn't give much depth to female characters or their roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is North?

Minimal

Set in the Arctic, the film depicts a community where almost everyone looks similar. It stays true to the demographics of its specific Norwegian region.

How does North represent religion and culture?

Good

The story emphasizes personal questioning and secular thinking over religious guidance. Jomar's journey is shaped by his individualistic, wandering spirit rather than societal duties.

Does North include disability representation?

Fair

The film provides a thoughtful portrayal of mental health through Jomar's nervous breakdown. His psychological issues are part of who he is, not just a joke.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional tough guy stereotypes by showing a male protagonist as gentle and vulnerable.
Handles mental health issues with sensitivity and respect.
Explores personal existential questions and subjective morality through poetic storytelling.

Limited or Absent

Needs more depth in female characters and their development.
Shows a community with very little racial or ethnic diversity.
Doesn't include any LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender narratives.

Official Synopsis

Following a nervous breakdown, ski athlete Jomar has isolated himself in a lonely existence as the guard of a ski park. When he learns that he might be the father of a child way up north, he sets on a strange and poetic journey through Norway on a snowmobile, with 5 liters of alcohol as sole provisions. On this trip through amazing arctic landscapes, Jomar seems to do everything in his power to avoid reaching his destination. He meets other tender and confused souls, who will all contribute to push Jomar further along his reluctant journey towards the brighter side of life.

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