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Be Astonished

Name: Be Astonished
Director: Jeremy Higgs, Stephen Saprid
Released: 2014
Duration: 62 min

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Representation Score

5.0/10

Fair

2014

Director

Jeremy Higgs, Stephen Saprid

Runtime

62 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Be Astonished succeeds in disrupting conventional sports media clichés by centering a Filipino American protagonist. By focusing on Stephen Saprid’s academic achievements and athletic prowess, the film gives a significant role to a person of color in a high-performance context. However, the documentary lacks engagement with broader social identities. The narrative is driven by personal testimonial and individual merit, resulting in a neutral stance regarding LGBTQ themes and gender hierarchies. Ultimately, the film is a character-driven study of discipline. While it lacks diverse social commentary, its strength lies in its focused, non-Anglo-centric portrayal of athletic excellence.

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Category Breakdown

Does Be Astonished have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film focuses on the athletic and personal achievements of the subject. There is no explicit mention of LGBTQ themes or non-cisgender identities.

How does Be Astonished portray gender?

Fair

The narrative centers on a male subject and his physical discipline. It focuses on individual merit without explicitly challenging or reinforcing traditional gender hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Be Astonished?

Good

The documentary provides meaningful representation by centering a Filipino American protagonist. It gives a significant role to a person of color through his professional and athletic achievements.

How does Be Astonished represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film prioritizes a secular, meritocratic view of success. It emphasizes traditional values like community contribution, personal responsibility, and academic rigor.

Does Be Astonished include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no information regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities. The subject is presented solely as an elite athlete.

Present on Screen

Provides meaningful representation by centering a Filipino American protagonist.
Gives a significant role to a person of color through athletic and academic achievements.
Disrupts conventional demographic dominance in sports media contexts.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit engagement with LGBTQ themes or identities.
Does not explore or subvert traditional gender hierarchies.
Offers limited commentary on broader cultural or institutional critiques.

Official Synopsis

When Jeremy Higgs, an independent documentary film maker from Chicago, IL, meets 28-year-old athlete Stephen Saprid, he is so impressed he has to share his story with the world. Stephen Saprid is a Filipino American athlete who is a contestant of the TV show American Ninja Warrior. He has acquired the skills and techniques needed to conquer any obstacles and challenges, from practicing holistic training discipline from Parkour and core strength and conditioning program from Crossfit. He has earned a degree in college allowing him to serve, save and protect real individuals not only in a professional setting but also wherever he may be. He is dedicated and will never give up on his dreams!

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