You are here:

People with Wings

Name: People with Wings
Director: Konrad Wolf
Released: 1960
Duration: 121 min

Representation Score

2.5/10

Limited

1960

Director

Konrad Wolf

Runtime

121 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Konrad Wolf’s direction highlights the tension between personal ability to act and systemic social structures. The film effectively critiques capitalism and institutional power through the protagonist's unwavering communist beliefs. However, the work lacks contemporary markers of diversity. The narrative is confined by the social realism of its era, resulting in a homogeneous cast and limited representation of LGBTQ+ and diverse ethnic groups. Ultimately, the film explores class identity and political integrity. It prioritizes a structural examination of socialist community and resistance against state corruption over individualistic character development.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does People with Wings have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on socio-political struggles and the tension between romanticism and collective duty. It does not include any representation of LGBTQ+ identities or same-sex intimacy.

How does People with Wings portray gender?

Fair

Gender roles in the film align with the era's social expectations, emphasizing the protagonist's political role. The narrative does not significantly challenge traditional hierarchies, making gender secondary to class.

How racially and ethnically diverse is People with Wings?

Limited

The cast is predominantly homogeneous, reflecting the localized, Eurocentric focus of the socialist realism movement. It does not feature a diverse range of ethnicities.

How does People with Wings represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film strongly critiques capitalist institutions and corporate corruption. It prioritizes collectivist values and systemic reform over Western individualistic models.

Does People with Wings include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no significant representation of visible or invisible disabilities within the narrative.

Present on Screen

Offers a sophisticated critique of capitalist and industrial corruption.
Prioritizes collectivist values and social reform over individualistic narratives.
Examines the moral tension between personal integrity and oppressive socio-economic structures.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities and non-conforming gender expressions.
Features a predominantly homogeneous cast with minimal racial or ethnic diversity.
Maintains traditional gender roles without significant subversion of social hierarchies.

Official Synopsis

This film continues the story of radio operator Ludwig Bartuschek from “The Sailor’s Song”. Near the end of the Weimar Republic, Bartuschek (Erwin Geschonneck) is working as a mechanic in the Sperber airplane plant. Director Dehringer offers him the opportunity to train as an airplane constructor if he is willing to give up his communist beliefs under oath. Bartuschek will not allow himself to be bought and instead joins the underground resistance movement.

How are these scores produced? →