You are here:

The Laundryman

Name: The Laundryman
Director: Chung Lee
Released: 2015
Duration: 112 min

Representation Score

3.3/10

Limited

2015

Director

Chung Lee

Runtime

112 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The Laundryman is a genre-blending film that emphasizes crime and fantasy clichés over social commentary. While it provides a non-Western perspective through its East Asian setting and character types, it does not offer characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity. The narrative centers on the psychological haunting of a contract killer, highlighting themes of guilt and trauma. However, the story does not address systemic issues or diverse identity politics. Overall, the film serves as a character study of moral consequence rather than a platform for progressive representation or the exploration of underrepresented identities.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Laundryman have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any evidence of non-binary genders or same-sex relationships. The main focus is on the mechanics of the crime and fantasy plot.

How does The Laundryman portray gender?

Fair

Gender roles and dynamics are not explicitly highlighted in the central conflict. The score reflects a neutral stance due to a lack of visible gender-based issues.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Laundryman?

Good

Character names and the setting suggest an East Asian cultural context. This emphasizes non-Western identities, breaking away from traditional Anglo-centric cinema norms.

How does The Laundryman represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story delves into spiritualism and metaphysical consequences through a psychic and haunting. This indicates a shift from traditional Western morals to a spiritual framework.

Does The Laundryman include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no indication that neurodivergence or physical disabilities play a central role in the character arcs. These traits are not used as meaningful elements of character development.

Present on Screen

The film offers a non-Western cultural perspective through its East Asian setting and character names.
The narrative employs a spiritual framework to explore themes of guilt and metaphysical consequences.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or critiques of the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.
There is no visible engagement with disability, neurodivergence, or mental health as meaningful character traits.
The story does not demonstrate intentional multi-layered depth or the subversion of traditional gender hierarchies.

Official Synopsis

A-Gu enlists a group of contract killers in the disguise of laundry service. One of them, code-named "No.1 Qingtian Street", is haunted by the ghosts of his victims. He seeks help from Lin Hsiang, a psychic.

How are these scores produced? →