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Doraemon: The Record of Nobita's Parallel Journey to the West

Name: Doraemon: The Record of Nobita's Parallel Journey to the West
Director: Tsutomu Shibayama
Released: 1988
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

1.4/10

Minimal

1988

Director

Tsutomu Shibayama

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

This 1988 adventure film embodies the spirit of its era, emphasizing escapism and traditional heroism. It relies on well-established character types and the classic quest motif to propel its fantasy narrative. The film offers a rich cultural experience rooted in East Asian folklore and the legend of Journey to the West. This mythological backdrop provides a culturally specific context for the story. However, the film does not actively seek to challenge traditional norms. It upholds conventional hierarchies and standard physical norms, lacking in-depth exploration of diverse identities or characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity.

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Category Breakdown

Does Doraemon: The Record of Nobita's Parallel Journey to the West have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film adheres to traditional assumptions about straight relationships. It focuses on childhood friendships and does not include any characters with non-traditional gender identities or same-sex relationships.

How does Doraemon: The Record of Nobita's Parallel Journey to the West portray gender?

Limited

Shizuka plays a key role in the story, but the film relies on typical gender roles from the time period. Male characters take the lead in action sequences and make crucial decisions throughout the adventure.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Doraemon: The Record of Nobita's Parallel Journey to the West?

Fair

The story draws from East Asian culture through a retelling of ancient Chinese myths. It avoids whitewashing but stays within a culturally specific framework, focusing on traditional East Asian folklore.

How does Doraemon: The Record of Nobita's Parallel Journey to the West represent religion and culture?

Limited

The narrative highlights traditional values such as teamwork and restoring order. It follows a classic quest structure without challenging social or religious institutions.

Does Doraemon: The Record of Nobita's Parallel Journey to the West include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not depict any characters with physical, sensory, or neurodivergent disabilities. All characters have the standard abilities needed for an adventure story.

Present on Screen

Engages deeply with East Asian cultural heritage and classic mythology.
Provides a rich, culturally specific setting through folklore.
Highlights themes of ensemble camaraderie and teamwork.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of non-traditional gender identities or LGBTQ+ characters.
Relies on traditional gendered roles where males dominate the action.
Does not depict any physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

As Nobita, Shizuka, Gian, and Suneo are auditioning for a role in their school's play based on "Journey to the West", the coveted role of Son Goku is hotly contested. After suggesting that the real Great Sage Equal to Heaven should play himself, knowing that the story is only a legend, Nobita and Doraemon go back in time to find their own fake Monkey King, but arrive in present day with the story's demons having taken over the world. The only way for things to go back to normal is for Nobita and pals to reenact the tale...for real!

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