You are here:

Ribbons

Name: Ribbons
Director: Elias Matar
Released: 2016
Duration: 95 min

No Poster Available

Representation Score

5.6/10

Fair

2016

Director

Elias Matar

Runtime

95 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Ribbons moves away from idealized social roles by centering its narrative on characters defined by trauma and ethnic specificity. The film avoids standard thriller clichés by focusing on the instability of family and military hierarchies. The inclusion of an Armenian antagonist provides a layer of cultural complexity often missing from mainstream genre films. This choice allows for an exploration of identity-driven conflict and historical grievance. While the film addresses psychological and physical damage, it remains unclear if these elements serve as deep character studies or simple plot devices. Overall, the film presents a gritty, non-traditional view of social order.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Ribbons have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or narratives. There is no indication of non-straight relationships or identities within the story.

How does Ribbons portray gender?

Fair

The story centers on a psychologically damaged girl navigating a violent conflict. This role shifts the female protagonist away from domestic clichés toward high-stakes survival scenarios.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Ribbons?

Good

An Armenian hitman introduces specific ethnic subtext to the thriller. This inclusion disrupts Anglo-centric clichés by exploring themes of diaspora and ethnic tension.

How does Ribbons represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative explores the breakdown of traditional social structures and estranged family units. It offers a cynical view of institutional stability and state protection.

Does Ribbons include disability representation?

Fair

The plot focuses on a wounded soldier and a psychologically damaged girl. These characters highlight lived experiences of physical and mental vulnerability.

Present on Screen

The inclusion of an Armenian hitman provides meaningful ethnic subtext and disrupts conventional thriller clichés.
The female protagonist is positioned in a role of high-stakes survival rather than traditional domesticity.
The narrative explores complex themes of trauma, displacement, and the breakdown of social institutions.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks any visible representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight relationships.
It is uncertain if the focus on psychological damage offers nuanced exploration or merely serves as a plot device.
The director's background provides little insight into a consistent track record of culturally complex storytelling.

Official Synopsis

A wounded young soldier and a psychologically damaged girl get caught in the crossfire between her estranged family and an Armenian hitman.

How are these scores produced? →