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Café Derby

Name: Café Derby
Director: Lenny Van Wesemael
Released: 2015
Duration: 97 min

Representation Score

2.9/10

Limited

2015

Director

Lenny Van Wesemael

Runtime

97 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Café Derby is a period drama that emphasizes realistic character development over social subversion. The story centers on a male protagonist's capitalist opportunism during a major religious event in 1985 Belgium. The film relies on traditional social structures, highlighting the tension between individual ambition and the stability of the nuclear family. It operates within a conventional European dramatic framework. Due to its focus on a homogeneous setting and traditional domestic hierarchies, the film does not make intentional efforts to promote diverse identities or challenge established social norms.

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Category Breakdown

Does Café Derby have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include any characters with LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender traits. The story revolves around a traditional family setup without queer representation.

How does Café Derby portray gender?

Fair

Georges is the main character who drives the plot and economic decisions. His wife and children react to Georges' ambitions rather than acting independently.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Café Derby?

Limited

Set in 1985 Belgium, the story portrays a culturally uniform European environment. There is no indication of a diverse or non-majority cast.

How does Café Derby represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film examines the tension between the Catholic Church and secular capitalism. It uses these institutions as a backdrop for personal ambition and family conflicts.

Does Café Derby include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no mention of characters with visible or invisible disabilities in the narrative.

Present on Screen

The film provides a grounded, character-driven look at mid-80s European life.
It presents a clear thematic conflict between religious devotion and secular opportunism.

Limited or Absent

The narrative lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender characters.
Gender dynamics favor a traditional hierarchy where female characters are primarily reactive.
The setting lacks racial and ethnic diversity, focusing on a homogeneous environment.

Official Synopsis

1985. Georges is a born market vendor. As a driven salesman he sells anything, anytime, to anyone. When he hears that the Pope is coming to Belgium, he smells his chance. In addition to the grounds, where tens of thousands of believers will attend an open-air mass, Café Derby is for rent. Georges is sure to earn a small fortune. But his wife and five children are not convinced. It would be another move in too short a time. But as George puts his mind to something...

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