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Ulan

Ulan

Representation Score

5.9/10

Fair

2019

Director

Irene Emma Villamor

Runtime

96 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Ulan is a character-driven coming-of-age story that centers a female perspective within a non-Western cultural setting. By using fantasy elements, the film delves into internal emotional landscapes, breaking away from traditional romantic drama clichés. The film excels in highlighting female autonomy and regional identity. However, it falls short in providing explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities and disability. While the themes of self-love are present, the narrative lacks clear confirmation of diverse identities beyond the main character.

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Category Breakdown

Does Ulan have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film touches on themes of self-love and emotional vulnerability, which might resonate with LGBTQ+ audiences. However, it does not explicitly confirm any non-straight or non-cisgender identities.

How does Ulan portray gender?

Good

The film emphasizes Maya's journey, focusing on her emotional autonomy and internal struggles. This shifts the focus away from traditional stories that center male characters.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Ulan?

Good

Set in the Philippines, the film features a predominantly non-Western cast and cultural context, offering a fresh perspective that diverges from mainstream global media.

How does Ulan represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative employs fantasy to prioritize individual emotional experiences over strict societal norms. The use of rain as a metaphor challenges typical Western storytelling conventions.

Does Ulan include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not explicitly address physical disabilities or neurodivergence. Although the protagonist's pessimism may relate to mental health, it does not establish any specific disability-focused ability to act.

Present on Screen

  • Emphasizes the emotional autonomy and psychological journey of a female protagonist.
  • Provides a non-Western perspective rooted in Philippine cinema.
  • Uses fantasy to explore complex, non-linear emotional truths.

Limited or Absent

  • Does not explicitly represent LGBTQ+ identities or confirm non-straight/cisgender identities.
  • Lacks visible representation of physical disabilities or neurodivergent characters.
  • Offers limited information about the diversity of the supporting cast.

Official Synopsis

In this coming-of-age-film about self-love, Maya is a girl who has always held a pessimistic view of the rain, reminding her of failed love and other depressing things. Will the rain ever stop her in her journey to overcome past heartaches?

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