You are here:
Constantine and the Cross

Constantine and the Cross

1961

NR

Director

Lionello De Felice

Runtime

128 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

Synopsis

Constantine is fighting against Barbarians with his father when he is called to Rome. In his way to Rome, he falls in an ambush planned by Maxence, who wants to become emperor.

Where to Watch

Diversity & Representation

Overall Score

2.4/10

Limited


Category Breakdown

LGBTQ+ Representation

Minimal

The film operates within the conventional orientation paradigms of 1960s cinema. There is no evidence of non-heteronormative identities or critiques of heteronormativity.

Gender Representation

Limited

The narrative emphasizes a male-centric power struggle involving fathers, sons, and usurpers. Primary agency and political ambition are attributed to male figures.

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Fair

The film depicts various ethnicities through Roman citizens and Barbarian tribes. These depictions likely rely on established tropes of civilization versus savagery.

Religious & Cultural Diversity

Limited

The story is rooted in Western historical identity and the rise of Christianity. It aligns with traditionalist values regarding authority and imperial stability.

Disability Representation

Minimal

There is no evidence of characters with visible or invisible disabilities. No such roles are indicated within the narrative context.

Strengths

  • The historical setting provides a natural backdrop for depicting a diverse range of ethnicities through Roman and Barbarian characters.

Areas for Improvement

  • The film lacks agency for female characters, focusing instead on male-driven political and military struggles.
  • The narrative reinforces traditional hierarchies rather than offering nuanced or intersectional representation.
  • There is a complete absence of representation for LGBTQ+ identities or characters with disabilities.

AI Analysis

Constantine and the Cross is a traditional historical epic that prioritizes classical tropes of heroism and imperial legitimacy. The plot focuses on military conflict and the struggle for the Roman throne, reinforcing mid-century cinematic values. The film lacks intentionality in disrupting social hierarchies. Instead, it functions as a product of its era, centering on masculine leadership and the defense of established Western institutions. While the setting allows for ethnic variety through its depiction of various tribes, the narrative remains anchored in conventional power structures and traditionalist perspectives.

How are these scores produced? →

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.