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By the Lake

Name: By the Lake
Director: Sergei Gerasimov
Released: 1970
Duration: 173 min

Representation Score

3.3/10

Limited

1970

Director

Sergei Gerasimov

Runtime

173 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

By the Lake is a moral drama centered on ecological ethics and individual ability to act. It stands out by presenting the female protagonist as a key figure in environmental discourse, while subverting industrialist narratives. However, the film lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities and diverse ethnic backgrounds. Additionally, there is no depiction of characters with disabilities. Overall, the film emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility to the environment, but it falls short in representing a broad spectrum of human identities.

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Category Breakdown

Does By the Lake have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on a heterosexual relationship between Lena Barmina and the engineer Chernykh. There is no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or critiques of the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does By the Lake portray gender?

Fair

Lena Barmina is portrayed as an active and independent character who drives the ethical conflict and makes her own decisions, such as leaving Chernykh after learning about his marriage.

How racially and ethnically diverse is By the Lake?

Fair

Set in the Baikal region, the film likely depicts local populations and Soviet citizens. The portrayal aligns with the historical 'New Soviet Man/Woman' archetype common in 1970s cinema.

How does By the Lake represent religion and culture?

Good

The film emphasizes ecological preservation over industrial expansion, challenging typical industrialist narratives. It highlights the moral responsibility to protect the natural world and promote collective ecological health.

Does By the Lake include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any characters with physical, sensory, or neurodivergent disabilities.

Present on Screen

The female protagonist, Lena, actively drives the ethical and environmental conflicts in the film.
The narrative challenges typical industrialist stories by prioritizing ecological preservation.
The film delves into deep moral themes about individual responsibility to nature and the collective good.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth characters.
There is no visible representation of characters with physical, sensory, or neurodivergent disabilities.
The ethnic diversity appears limited, focusing on a more homogeneous depiction of Soviet society.

Official Synopsis

The film is a reflection on the responsibility of man to other people, native nature and the world around us, the problem of preserving Lake Baikal, on the banks of which a large construction project has unfolded. The first half of the 60s of the XX century, the story of the love of young Lena Barmina to an adult respectable person, bearing on his shoulders a heavy burden of responsibility for the activities of a huge enterprise. Construction engineer Chernykh and Lena, the daughter of a scientist, are doing everything to save the lake from harmful and unjustified plums. A difficult relationship develops between them and soon Lena realizes that she is in love. But after learning that Chernykh is married, the girl leaves...

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