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Rise

Name: Rise
Director: Cường Ngô
Released: 2014
Duration: 100 min

Representation Score

6.1/10

Good

2014

Director

Cường Ngô

Runtime

100 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Rise is a compelling study of female empowerment within a traditionally male-dominated criminal hierarchy. By centering the narrative on Dieu's rise, the film challenges conventional genre expectations and places a woman at the helm of a violent ecosystem. The film excels in its cultural specificity and gender subversion. It moves away from Anglo-centric storytelling to provide a localized look at Vietnamese social structures and power dynamics. However, the film remains tied to traditional romantic clichés. The protagonist's journey is heavily influenced by her relationships with various men, which limits the scope of her independence.

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Category Breakdown

Does Rise have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film focuses on heterosexual relationships between husbands and childhood sweethearts. There is no indication of LGBTQ+ subtext or non-cisgender identities.

How does Rise portray gender?

Good

Dieu is a powerful central figure who breaks through the male-dominated criminal underworld. The film highlights her role as a key driver of the story, shifting the focus from male leadership to female empowerment.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Rise?

Excellent

The film provides strong representation of Vietnamese identity and culture. It offers a nuanced look at non-Western power dynamics within a specific regional context.

How does Rise represent religion and culture?

Good

The story explores subjective morality and the complexities of organized crime. However, it prioritizes personal destiny and romantic influence over broader political or social critiques.

Does Rise include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no visible or invisible disabilities mentioned or central to the character arcs in this story.

Present on Screen

Strong subversion of gender hierarchies by centering a female protagonist in a male-dominated world.
High-level representation of Vietnamese identity and regional cultural nuances.
Effective disruption of Western-centric cinematic clichés through its specific cultural setting.

Limited or Absent

Lack of LGBTQ+ representation or non-cisgender identities within the narrative.
Heavy reliance on traditional romantic relationships to drive the protagonist's arc.
Limited exploration of systemic or political critiques in favor of personal destiny.

Official Synopsis

A rags to riches story of unusual circumstance. 'Huong Ga - Rise' is the story of Dieu. Chronicling the highs and lows of Vietnam's most notorious female gangsters| this is a woman's journey as she breaks the glass ceiling in a man's word| albeit| a much darker and dangerous existence. Shaded by the influence and lessons of the men in her life: Nhan her childhood sweetheart| her great unrequited love; Hung fifty shades of empty but a great physical attraction; Tung the man of her dreams| husband| lover and friend; and Tan - the gentle man who promises a simpler life. Each of the men in her life contribute to Dieu's great success (and failures) as she climbs to the top of Vietnam's gangster underworld.

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