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Let It Be

Name: Let It Be
Director: Yen Lan-Chuan, Cres Chuang
Released: 2005
Duration: 110 min

Representation Score

6.1/10

Good

2005

Director

Yen Lan-Chuan, Cres Chuang

Runtime

110 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Let It Be is a vital piece of observational cinema that validates the wisdom of elderly, rural subjects. It disrupts conventional ideas of progress by centering lives often sidelined by urban-centric media. The film's primary strength lies in its deep engagement with Taiwanese ethnic identity and localized spirituality. By focusing on the relationship between the farmers, the weather, and the gods, it provides a sophisticated cultural portrait. However, the documentary lacks clarity regarding specific gender identities and LGBTQ+ representation. The focus remains strictly on the traditional agricultural lifestyle of the Tainan region.

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Category Breakdown

Does Let It Be have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film focuses on traditional social structures within rural Tainan. There is no explicit mention of LGBTQ+ characters or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities in the narrative.

How does Let It Be portray gender?

Fair

The documentary centers on the daily labor of three elderly rice farmers. While specific genders aren't detailed, the focus on manual toil offers potential representation of gendered ability to act.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Let It Be?

Excellent

The film provides high ethnic representation by centering Taiwanese farmers in Houbi Township. It avoids a Western-centric gaze, offering a nuanced look at a localized agricultural community.

How does Let It Be represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative engages with non-Western spiritualities through the farmers' relationships with gods and the land. This highlights a localized morality independent of Western religious structures.

Does Let It Be include disability representation?

Minimal

The film depicts the physical toll of elderly labor and heavy toil. However, it is unclear if disability or neurodivergence serves as a central theme.

Present on Screen

Strong ethnic representation by centering the lived experiences of Taiwanese farmers.
Sophisticated engagement with non-Western spiritualities and localized morality.
Challenges Western-centric storytelling by focusing on a specific, non-urbanized community.

Limited or Absent

Lack of explicit information regarding LGBTQ+ characters or identities.
Ambiguity regarding the specific gender roles and representation of the farmers.
Insufficient evidence to determine the portrayal of disability or neurodivergence.

Official Synopsis

What do you think of when you think of a grain of rice? Let It Be is a documentary that records the daily labor and lives of three elderly rice farmers in Tainan County’s Houbi Township. In the heart of Taiwan’s rice-producing country, they have passed their days shedding a bead of sweat to match each grain of rice. The film depicts their lifestyles which have changed little over the last half-century. Observing their toil at work and the way they go about their lives allows the viewer to appreciate the wisdom that imbues their lives and the fascinating dynamics of their relationships with each other, their animals, the gods, the weather, and the land. Between the vastness of the heavens and the joys and sorrows of the earth and its inhabitants, each farmer fulfills his unique destiny.

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