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Becoming Zlatan

Name: Becoming Zlatan
Director: Fredrik Gertten, Magnus Gertten
Released: 2015
Duration: 99 min

Representation Score

2.7/10

Limited

2015

Director

Fredrik Gertten, Magnus Gertten

Runtime

99 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Becoming Zlatan is a nuanced exploration of identity and integration that challenges monolithic views of Swedish society. By focusing on the protagonist's journey, it delves into the tensions between ethnic identity and national integration. While the film excels in racial and cultural dimensions, it falls short in representing gender subversion and LGBTQ+ narratives. Ultimately, the documentary offers a powerful perspective on the immigrant experience, encouraging viewers to consider national identity through a more layered lens.

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Category Breakdown

Does Becoming Zlatan have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on the hyper-masculine world of elite football and does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or stories about non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.

How does Becoming Zlatan portray gender?

Limited

The story primarily revolves around male competition and achievement, with very little emphasis on female roles or ability to act.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Becoming Zlatan?

Excellent

By highlighting Ibrahimović’s Bosnian and Croatian heritage, the film disrupts the typical Nordic narrative and showcases the complexities of the immigrant experience in Sweden.

How does Becoming Zlatan represent religion and culture?

Good

The documentary examines the tension between individual identity and societal institutions, framing the protagonist's struggles as negotiations against social barriers.

Does Becoming Zlatan include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not focus on physical or neurodivergent disabilities, instead emphasizing the psychological drive and physical prowess of the protagonist.

Present on Screen

Disrupts traditional, homogeneous Nordic sporting narratives.
Explores the complexities of the immigrant experience and ethnic identity.
Challenges conventional notions of Swedish identity through a personal lens.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of women's ability to drive the story within the primary narrative.
Does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.
Operates within a traditional, hyper-masculine framework of professional football.

Official Synopsis

The decisive years of Swedish soccer player Zlatan Ibrahimović, told through rare archive footage in which a young Zlatan speaks openly about his life and challenges. The film closely follows him, from his debut with the Malmö FF team in 1999 through his conflict-ridden years with Ajax Amsterdam, and up to his final breakthrough with Juventus in 2005.

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