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When the War Comes

Name: When the War Comes
Director: Jan Gebert
Released: 2018
Duration: 76 min

Representation Score

6.7/10

Good

2018

Director

Jan Gebert

Runtime

76 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Jan Gebert’s documentary excels as a historical reconstruction of the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia. Its primary strength lies in its unflinching documentation of racial and ethnic hierarchies, particularly focusing on the persecution of Jewish populations during the Holocaust. However, the film remains rooted in the historical period it depicts. It does not engage with contemporary identity politics or subvert traditional gender norms, resulting in lower scores for LGBTQ+ and disability representation. Ultimately, the work serves as a rigorous study of how totalitarianism dismantles social institutions and targets minority groups, prioritizing historical accuracy over modern representational themes.

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Category Breakdown

Does When the War Comes have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film focuses on large-scale movements of occupation and resistance. It does not include any specific focus on LGBTQ+ identities or narratives within the archival footage.

How does When the War Comes portray gender?

Fair

The documentary highlights women in traditional domestic roles while emphasizing the ability to act of those involved in resistance movements. It provides a factual account of women's roles in wartime survival.

How racially and ethnically diverse is When the War Comes?

Good

The film offers a deep look at the ethnic complexity of Central Europe. It centers the experiences of Jewish individuals and documents the persecution of underrepresented groups.

How does When the War Comes represent religion and culture?

Good

The documentary examines the breakdown of democratic structures and the destruction of family units. It critiques traditional power structures and the impact of state-sponsored violence on social cohesion.

Does When the War Comes include disability representation?

Limited

The film depicts general human suffering caused by war but does not focus specifically on neurodivergence or physical disabilities. Disability is not a central narrative lens for identity.

Present on Screen

Offers a deep look at the ethnic complexity of Central Europe.
Effectively breaks down the racial hierarchies imposed by occupying forces.
Centers the experiences of underrepresented groups within the context of the Holocaust.

Limited or Absent

Lacks focus on LGBTQ+ identities or narratives.
Does not utilize disability or neurodivergence as a lens for ability to act.
Does not actively challenge or subvert traditional gender hierarchies.

Official Synopsis

Hundreds of teenagers join the Slovak Recruits paramilitary group to get ready for the final clash of civilizations and to fight whoever invades their country.

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