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Life Must Go On

Name: Life Must Go On
Director: Ying Chi-Wen
Released: 2022
Duration: 93 min

Representation Score

8.1/10

Excellent

2022

Director

Ying Chi-Wen

Runtime

93 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Life Must Go On centers women's ability to drive the story and social critique. By placing teenage girls as the main drivers of the plot, the film challenges traditional passive portrayals of females and uses sports to reclaim social space. The narrative effectively examines systemic social dynamics, focusing on the struggles of underrepresented youth against institutional neglect. However, the film lacks explicit visibility regarding LGBTQ+ identities. While it addresses psychological challenges and socioeconomic diversity, the representation remains broad rather than specific.

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Category Breakdown

Does Life Must Go On have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not explicitly confirm any LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight gender expressions. While it includes coming-of-age themes, there is no overt celebration of diverse sexual orientations or gender identities.

How does Life Must Go On portray gender?

Good

The story disrupts traditional gender roles by highlighting the ability to act and collective strength of teenage girls. They drive the plot using sports to establish their own social spaces.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Life Must Go On?

Fair

Set in an East Asian context, the film moves away from Anglo-centric norms. It highlights socioeconomic diversity by focusing on urban underrepresented communities and wayward youth.

How does Life Must Go On represent religion and culture?

Good

The story critiques institutional stability and the threat of defunding community programs. It prioritizes non-traditional support systems over rigid, state-sanctioned social structures.

Does Life Must Go On include disability representation?

Fair

Themes around 'dodging problems' suggest an exploration of mental health or neurodivergence. The film focuses on overcoming internal psychological and emotional vulnerabilities.

Present on Screen

Strong emphasis on women's ability to drive the story and collective strength through a girl-led dodgeball team.
Effective critique of institutional neglect and the importance of community-based social programs.
Meaningful focus on socioeconomic diversity and the lived experiences of underrepresented urban youth.

Limited or Absent

Lack of explicit or celebratory LGBTQ+ representation and queer-coded dialogue.
Limited specific detail regarding ethnic blending or diverse racial identities within the cast.
Ambiguity regarding specific physical or neurodivergent disabilities beyond general psychological themes.

Official Synopsis

When her “midnight gymnasium” program for wayward teens is under the threat of being defunded, social worker Yanki puts together a dodgeball team to save it. With the help of an unemployed, has-been star jock as the coach, the motley crew of teen girls learn that dodging from their problems can work temporarily, but they must learn to eventually stand back up and overcome their challenges.

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