You are here:

G.I. Joe: Retaliation

Name: G.I. Joe: Retaliation
Director: Jon M. Chu
Released: 2013
Duration: 110 min

Representation Score

5.9/10

Fair

2013

PG-13

Director

Jon M. Chu

Runtime

110 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

G.I. Joe: Retaliation functions primarily as a standard action film. Its diversity is evident in its casting and its critique of systemic corruption rather than identity-driven storytelling. The film disrupts traditional gender hierarchies by placing women in central, high-stakes combat roles. This contrasts with more restrictive, male-dominated action clichés. However, the film lacks depth regarding multi-layered identities and disabilities. It maintains a conventional framework that avoids challenging assumptions about gender and culture.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does G.I. Joe: Retaliation have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows traditional structures that assume everyone is straight and cisgender. There are no representations of same-sex relationships or non-binary gender identities.

How does G.I. Joe: Retaliation portray gender?

Fair

Female characters play significant roles in the story, taking active combat positions rather than passive ones. They demonstrate physical competence and leadership similar to their male counterparts.

How racially and ethnically diverse is G.I. Joe: Retaliation?

Fair

The film features a diverse cast representing various ethnicities, reflecting a multi-ethnic military unit. However, the story focuses on the characters' roles in the military rather than their specific cultural backgrounds.

How does G.I. Joe: Retaliation represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative critiques the shadowy organizations that infiltrate government systems, suggesting systemic corruption within Western political institutions.

Does G.I. Joe: Retaliation include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not depict any visible or invisible disabilities. The focus remains on the physical abilities and tactical skills of the main characters.

Present on Screen

Female characters are portrayed with strong leadership and physical competence in combat roles.
The cast includes a diverse range of ethnicities, reflecting a multi-ethnic military unit.
The narrative offers a critique of systemic corruption and the stability of Western political institutions.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks meaningful representation of neurodivergence or physical disabilities.
There is no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender gender expressions.
The narrative does not delve into the specific cultural or ethnic identities of its diverse characters.

Official Synopsis

Framed for crimes against the country, the G.I. Joe team is terminated by Presidential order. This forces the G.I. Joes into not only fighting their mortal enemy Cobra; they are forced to contend with threats from within the government that jeopardize their very existence.

How are these scores produced? →