You are here:

Useless

Useless

Representation Score

6.2/10

Good

2008

Director

Jia Zhangke

Runtime

84 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Jia Zhangke’s documentary offers a nuanced examination of the impact of global capitalism on local traditions. By contrasting the dehumanizing nature of mass production with the personalized craftsmanship of artisans, the film highlights the struggle of individuals against systemic forces. However, the film's scope is limited in addressing specific identity politics, particularly around LGBTQ+ identities and disability.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Useless have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not include any confirmed LGBTQ+ characters or narratives. While it explores identity through labor and class, there is no direct depiction of queer identities.

How does Useless portray gender?

Fair

The documentary focuses on the female-dominated garment industry and the experiences of production line workers. It is unclear whether the film challenges traditional gender roles or merely documents industrial labor.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Useless?

Good

The film highlights the Chinese working class and local artisans, providing detailed insight into ethnic diversity. It challenges Western-centric media by emphasizing internal Chinese socio-economic changes.

How does Useless represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The narrative contrasts modern consumerism with traditional craftsmanship, highlighting how global economic structures can make local practices obsolete. It questions the impact of globalization on traditional workers and institutions.

Does Useless include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no specific depiction of physical or neurodivergent disabilities in the film.

Present on Screen

  • Provides detailed insight into the Chinese working class and local artisans.
  • Offers a strong critique of globalized capitalism and its impact on traditional labor.
  • Highlights the tension between mass-produced goods and individual craftsmanship.

Limited or Absent

  • Could benefit from including more representation of LGBTQ+ identities.
  • Needs to address physical and neurodivergent disabilities more explicitly.
  • Clarifies whether it challenges traditional gender roles or just documents them.

Official Synopsis

Observations of three varied corners of China’s garment industry: workers in a large-scale production line factory; a designer who rallies against the mass-machine-production of clothes and has created the eponymous hand-made collection called ‘Useless’ (Wuyong) for Paris Fashion Week; and finally the simple life of increasingly out-of-work tailors in small town Fengdang.

How are these scores produced? →

Where to Watch

Rate this Movie

No rating selected
Use arrow keys to select a rating from 1 to 5 stars
Optional text review, maximum 2000 characters
Tip: Wrap spoilers with ||double pipes|| to hide them
0/2000 characters
You must be signed in to submit a rating

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!

Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.