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Labyrinth

Name: Labyrinth
Director: Jim Henson
Released: 1986
Duration: 101 min

Representation Score

7.5/10

Good

1986

Director

Jim Henson

Runtime

101 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Labyrinth centers a strong female protagonist, Sarah, who demonstrates a significant role in driving the story and challenges traditional gender roles. The film's imaginative world-building includes a diverse range of non-human species, offering a metaphorical representation of varied identities. The narrative prioritizes individual growth and moral complexity over adherence to traditional authority figures. It moves away from conventional power structures to highlight the protagonist's personal journey.

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Category Breakdown

Does Labyrinth have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film doesn't include explicit LGBTQ+ characters or same-sex intimacy. The Goblin King's flamboyant personality stands out, but the story focuses on Sarah's journey.

How does Labyrinth portray gender?

Excellent

Sarah is a strong female lead who drives the plot with her intelligence and resilience. She challenges traditional gender roles by outsmarting the manipulative Goblin King.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Labyrinth?

Fair

The human cast is mostly uniform, typical of 1980s casting practices. However, the film creates a rich, non-Anglo-centric world using various non-human species.

How does Labyrinth represent religion and culture?

Good

The story explores moral relativism and the dissolution of traditional family structures. It emphasizes individual growth over adherence to established social hierarchies.

Does Labyrinth include disability representation?

Fair

Characters display behaviors suggesting neurodivergence, like Hoggle. These figures are portrayed as complex, flawed individuals who play important roles rather than being mere stereotypes.

Present on Screen

Strong female lead who drives the plot who play a significant role in driving the story.
Challenges traditional gender hierarchies and power dynamics.
Imaginative creature design providing a multifaceted visual landscape.
Complex characters that avoid simplistic stereotypes.

Limited or Absent

Lack of explicit LGBTQ+ representation or queer identity.
Human cast lacks racial and ethnic diversity.
No explicit focus on clinical disabilities or diverse human backgrounds.

Official Synopsis

Frustrated with babysitting on yet another weekend night, Sarah, a teenager with an active imagination, summons the Goblins to take her baby stepbrother away. When little Toby actually disappears, Sarah must follow him into a fantastical world to rescue him from the Goblin King. Guarding his castle is the labyrinth itself, a twisted maze of deception, populated with outrageous characters and unknown dangers.

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