You are here:

Plot for Peace

Name: Plot for Peace
Director: Carlos Agulló, Mandy Jacobson
Released: 2013
Duration: 84 min

Representation Score

8.5/10

Excellent

2013

Director

Carlos Agulló, Mandy Jacobson

Runtime

84 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Plot for Peace succeeds as a piece of historical revisionism that challenges the singular hero-myth of Nelson Mandela. By shifting the focus toward the ability to act of African states and international intermediaries, the film provides a more nuanced understanding of how systemic change occurs through global cooperation. The documentary effectively elevates non-Western actors, moving the narrative from a 'Great Man' theory to a complex web of collective, multi-ethnic resistance. However, the film remains limited in its exploration of gender and identity. While it disrupts racial and geopolitical hierarchies, it does not provide clear evidence of diverse gender representation or LGBTQ+ themes within the historical accounts presented.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Plot for Peace have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The documentary focuses on geopolitical diplomacy and the anti-apartheid movement. There are no visible LGBTQ+ character arcs or discussions of gender identity.

How does Plot for Peace portray gender?

Fair

The film highlights diplomats and anti-apartheid fighters. While it suggests a broadening of leadership roles, specific stories of women's involvement in these high-level negotiations are not detailed.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Plot for Peace?

Excellent

The narrative excels by centering African states and anti-apartheid fighters. It moves away from Western-centric views to showcase a collective, multi-ethnic effort to dismantle systemic oppression.

How does Plot for Peace represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film critiques traditional Western power structures and institutionalized racism. It emphasizes unconventional diplomacy and trust over standard colonial-era governance and global hierarchies.

Does Plot for Peace include disability representation?

Fair

There is no evidence regarding the portrayal of individuals with physical or cognitive disabilities within this historical context.

Present on Screen

Disrupts Western-centric historical lenses by centering African ability to act.
Highlights the collective, multi-ethnic effort behind the anti-apartheid movement.
Challenges traditional geopolitical hierarchies through a focus on non-state actors.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit evidence of women's involvement in high-level diplomatic negotiations.
Provides no representation or thematic exploration of LGBTQ+ identities.
Does not address the experiences or presence of individuals with disabilities.

Official Synopsis

This is the untold story behind History, a well-kept secret behind the world-wide icon: Nelson Mandela's release was a Plot for Peace. For the first time, heads of state, generals, diplomats, master spies and anti-apartheid fighters reveal how Africa's front line states helped end apartheid. Their improbable key to Mandela's prison cell was a mysterious French businessman, dubbed "Monsieur Jacques" in classified correspondence. His trade secret was trust

How are these scores produced? →