You are here:

The Wide Blue Road

Name: The Wide Blue Road
Director: Gillo Pontecorvo
Released: 1957
Duration: 103 min

Representation Score

3.4/10

Limited

1957

Director

Gillo Pontecorvo

Runtime

103 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The Wide Blue Road is a gritty drama centered on the socioeconomic struggles of a Dalmatian fishing community. It effectively critiques systemic exploitation and portrays the tension between underrepresented individuals and exploitative economic structures. However, the film lacks diverse representation, particularly in terms of LGBTQ+ identities and characters with disabilities. Gender dynamics are portrayed through a traditional patriarchal family structure. Overall, the film excels in its portrayal of regional identity and class-based struggles, but it could benefit from broader representation.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Wide Blue Road have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or narratives. The story revolves around the economic and domestic challenges faced by a traditional fishing family.

How does The Wide Blue Road portray gender?

Fair

The narrative centers on a patriarchal family structure led by Squarciò. While female characters play important roles, their ability to act is not extensively explored. Instead, the film highlights the protagonist's social isolation and the provider archetype.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Wide Blue Road?

Fair

Set on the Dalmatian coast, the film delves into the unique regional identity of the area. It showcases the class-based conflicts between local fishing communities and outside wholesalers.

How does The Wide Blue Road represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film provides a nuanced look at systemic exploitation. It portrays illegal bomb-fishing as a last resort to cope with oppressive economic conditions and institutional failures.

Does The Wide Blue Road include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not feature any characters with visible or invisible disabilities. Disability is not addressed as a theme or character trait.

Present on Screen

Provides a sophisticated critique of capitalist exploitation and systemic economic pressures.
Offers a deep exploration of regional identity and class-based struggles within a specific coastal setting.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities and non-traditional gender narratives.
Shows limited women's ability to drive the story, focusing on a traditional patriarchal family structure.
Provides no depiction of characters with disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Squarciò, a fisherman, lives with his family on a small island off the Dalmatian coast of Italy. Like his fellow villagers, Squarciò struggles against harsh living conditions, a scarcity of fish in nearby waters and exploitation by the local wholesaler. But while the other fishermen continue to use nets, he goes out to the open sea to fish illegally with bombs. But Squarciò borrows money, loses his boat, and in a moment of supreme desperation, has to bomb directly off-shore, causing the hatred and rejection of his fellow fishermen. Trying to save his family, Squarciò and his young sons sail their new boat out beyond the local waters and bomb-fish again. But this time, the sea exacts a terrible toll…

How are these scores produced? →