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The Brigade

Name: The Brigade
Director: Pierre Jolivet
Released: 2017
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

4.4/10

Fair

2017

Director

Pierre Jolivet

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film functions as a traditional historical drama that challenges traditional gender roles. By placing women in active, tactical roles, it moves beyond passive domestic clichés common in wartime cinema. However, the film is limited by its historical setting. The demographic homogeneity of 1940s France results in a lack of diverse racial, ethnic, or LGBTQ+ perspectives. The narrative remains anchored in the conventional frameworks of the period. Ultimately, while the film provides a compelling critique of institutional authority, it lacks meaningful representation for disabled or neurodivergent individuals, focusing instead on physical combat capacity.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Brigade have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or explore non-cisgender identities. The story centers on the survival and political goals of the resistance movement.

How does The Brigade portray gender?

Fair

Women play active, high-stakes roles in the resistance, challenging traditional mid-century gender roles. They take part in tactical and physical activities, showing significant influence in the story.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Brigade?

Limited

The cast reflects the demographic uniformity of 1940s France. The film does not offer diverse racial or ethnic perspectives, sticking closely to the social norms of the time.

How does The Brigade represent religion and culture?

Good

The film critiques oppressive state authority by portraying resistance as a reaction to a corrupt government. It emphasizes situational ethics rather than strict adherence to wartime laws.

Does The Brigade include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not offer nuanced portrayals of disability. Characters are defined by their physical abilities for combat, with no indication of neurodivergent or disabled characters having meaningful roles.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional wartime clichés by giving women active, high-stakes roles in the resistance movement.
Offers a strong thematic critique of oppressive state authority and centralized, authoritarian control.

Limited or Absent

Does not offer diverse racial or ethnic perspectives due to its strict adherence to 1940s demographic homogeneity.
Does not provide nuanced or meaningful representation for characters with disabilities or neurodivergence.

Official Synopsis

Bénédicte Meursault, a female firefighter, has just been transferred to a small fire brigade in the South of France. She is welcomed by Philippe, 45, the wise captain of the brigade. Soon after being introduced to the men, the young woman jumps into action. Unfortunately, while rescuing the victims of a terrible car crash, she does not find one of the injured who was ejected thirty meters away. Now the man is in hospital in a coma and he may die because of her. Completely upset, Bénédicte decides to resign but Philippe dissuades her from doing it.

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