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Land of Smiles

Name: Land of Smiles
Director: Bradley Stryker
Released: 2017
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

3.2/10

Limited

2017

Director

Bradley Stryker

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Land of Smiles operates as a genre-driven survival thriller that emphasizes visceral tension over diverse storytelling. While the film features a central female protagonist, its narrative structure adheres to traditional horror conventions without challenging them. The setting of Thailand is utilized to highlight Western anxieties, potentially reinforcing colonialist perspectives through the 'third world paradise' stereotype. The focus remains on the Western traveler's perspective. Ultimately, the film lacks the intentional representation or systemic critique needed to transcend a standard, narrow horror framework.

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Category Breakdown

Does Land of Smiles have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or non-cisgender identities. The story revolves around a single protagonist's journey within a traditional narrative structure.

How does Land of Smiles portray gender?

Fair

A female protagonist leads the plot through her quest to find her friend. However, the film's reliance on female vulnerability to create tension adheres to typical horror conventions.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Land of Smiles?

Fair

The story centers on a Western backpacker in Thailand, which may reinforce 'tourist gaze' stereotypes. Local Thai characters are not given prominent roles with ability to act.

How does Land of Smiles represent religion and culture?

Limited

Thailand serves as a perilous backdrop for the protagonist's journey. The film does not engage with religious or cultural critiques, sticking to a conventional thriller format.

Does Land of Smiles include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no indication of characters with visible or invisible disabilities included in the film.

Present on Screen

The film provides a central role to a female protagonist who drives the survival narrative.

Limited or Absent

The narrative could benefit from more prominent roles for local Thai characters to avoid 'tourist gaze' clichés.
The film lacks explicit LGBTQ+ representation or non-cisgender identities.
The story could move beyond traditional horror clichés that rely on the vulnerability of the female body.

Official Synopsis

A young backpacker is lured through the third world paradise of Thailand searching for her kidnapped best friend and unknowingly she becomes the object of a sociopath's obsession.

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