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The Saint

Name: The Saint
Director: Phillip Noyce
Released: 1997
Duration: 116 min

Representation Score

3.2/10

Limited

1997

PG-13

Director

Phillip Noyce

Runtime

116 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film successfully challenges traditional gender hierarchies by giving the female lead a significant role in driving the story and technical expertise, providing a more nuanced portrayal of female competence compared to many contemporary action thrillers. However, the central power dynamics are concentrated among a predominantly white cast, and the romantic plot adheres to strictly heterosexual patterns. The film's strength lies in its exploration of moral complexity and its focus on individual ability to act over institutional authority, despite being limited by the era's casting conventions.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Saint have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or non-cisgender identities. The romantic plot follows traditional heterosexual structures focused on the main couple.

How does The Saint portray gender?

Good

Dr. Emma Russell is portrayed as an intellectual equal to the protagonist, challenging the typical damsel in distress stereotype. She demonstrates a significant role in driving the story and competence.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Saint?

Limited

The story focuses on a predominantly white cast, reflecting the conventions of 1990s cinema. Supporting characters like Dr. Alexander Pierce provide some variety, but the central arcs remain largely homogeneous.

How does The Saint represent religion and culture?

Fair

The narrative explores moral relativism through an anti-hero protagonist. It also critiques systemic corruption and concentrated corporate power within high-level capitalism.

Does The Saint include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no prominent depictions of visible or invisible disabilities within the primary character arcs.

Present on Screen

The female lead demonstrates a significant role in driving the story and intellectual parity with the protagonist.
The film avoids the 'damsel in distress' cliché through competent character development.
The narrative delves into sophisticated themes of moral relativism and anti-authoritarianism.

Limited or Absent

The cast lacks significant racial and ethnic diversity in central roles.
There is a complete absence of LGBTQ+ representation or non-cisgender identities.
The film relies on traditional heterosexual romantic structures.

Official Synopsis

Simon Templar (The Saint), is a thief for hire, whose latest job to steal the secret process for cold fusion puts him at odds with a traitor bent on toppling the Russian government, as well as the woman who holds its secret.

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