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APE

Name: A*P*E
Director: Paul Leder
Released: 1976
Duration: 87 min

Representation Score

0.8/10

Minimal

1976

Director

Paul Leder

Runtime

87 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

A*P*E (1976) is a product of the 1970s exploitation market, focusing on creature-feature spectacle rather than social depth. The narrative relies on established genre clichés that reinforce traditional hierarchies rather than challenging them. The film's setting in Seoul is used more as an exotic backdrop than a means of providing meaningful ethnic representation. The narrative remains centered on a Western protagonist and a standard horror structure. Ultimately, the film lacks the intentionality needed for characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity, functioning primarily as a low-budget adventure-horror piece.

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Category Breakdown

Does APE have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or narratives. It sticks to a traditional creature-feature format that doesn't address non-straight or non-cisgender identities.

How does APE portray gender?

Limited

The story relies on the 'damsel in distress' cliché, where the female character's role is limited to being a victim of the creature. Her influence on the plot is minimal.

How racially and ethnically diverse is APE?

Limited

The Seoul setting is used more as an exotic backdrop rather than a place for nuanced representation. The narrative focuses mainly on the American protagonist.

How does APE represent religion and culture?

Limited

The film prioritizes spectacle and chaos over cultural depth. It adheres to conventional genre expectations without delving into complex moral or secular themes.

Does APE include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters with visible or invisible disabilities. Physical impairments and neurodivergence are not part of the character arcs.

Present on Screen

The use of a non-Western setting in Seoul offers a different backdrop compared to typical Hollywood productions.

Limited or Absent

The film relies on the 'damsel in distress' cliché, which limits female influence.
The narrative lacks diverse casting and meaningful representation of characters of color.
There is no engagement with LGBTQ+ identities or disability representation.

Official Synopsis

A newly discovered 36-foot gorilla escapes from a freighter off the coast of Korea. At the same time an American actress is filming a movie in the country. Chaos ensues as the ape kidnaps her and rampages through Seoul.

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