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When I'm Done Dying

Name: When I'm Done Dying
Director: Nisan Dağ
Released: 2021
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

8.3/10

Excellent

2021

Director

Nisan Dağ

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Nisan Dağ’s drama stands out as a gritty character study that prioritizes subcultural identity over mainstream clichés. By focusing on the tension between personal passion and familial expectations, the film offers a realistic portrayal of underrepresented urban life. The narrative is particularly strong in challenging traditional social institutions and integrating LGBTQ+ perspectives. The inclusion of Erdem as a central figure disrupts conventional patriarchal structures effectively. However, the film’s focus remains narrow, emphasizing male-centric struggles and brotherhood while limiting the roles of female characters.

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Category Breakdown

Does When I'm Done Dying have LGBTQ+ representation?

Excellent

The film centers around Erdem, the protagonist's gay brother, highlighting his journey as a key part of the emotional storyline rather than a side note.

How does When I'm Done Dying portray gender?

Fair

The story focuses on male-centric issues like addiction and musical ambitions. Devin, a female character, is primarily defined by her relationship with Fehmi.

How racially and ethnically diverse is When I'm Done Dying?

Good

Set in Istanbul's slums, the film highlights the voices of youth within a socio-economically underrepresented community. It emphasizes the unique urban subculture of the area.

How does When I'm Done Dying represent religion and culture?

Good

The story challenges traditional social institutions and idealized family stability by favoring secular and grassroots identities, such as Hip-hop culture, over state-sanctioned or religious morality.

Does When I'm Done Dying include disability representation?

Fair

The film explores Fehmi’s struggle with addiction, touching on the loss of personal control. However, it does not provide extensive detail on the psychological aspects of his condition.

Present on Screen

Strong portrayal of LGBTQ+ identities through central family characters.
Authentic depiction of urban subcultures and underrepresented socio-economic voices.
Effective critique of traditional social institutions and idealized family structures.

Limited or Absent

Female characters are primarily defined by their relationships with men.
The narrative focus remains heavily centered on male-driven struggles and brotherhood.
The portrayal of addiction lacks explicit detail regarding personal control.

Official Synopsis

Fehmi is an aspiring young rapper from a slum of Istanbul where the Hip-hop subculture is the voice of the youth. Fehmi dreams of making a successful rap album, despite the disapproval of his family. Fehmi’s addiction to the deadly drug ‘bonzai’ jeopardises his burgeoning rap career. He comes to terms that he needs to quit, yet it’s a challenging pursuit. We witness Fehmi’s struggle through his relationships with his first love Devin, his gay brother Erdem and his band-mate Yunus. The process is an emotional roller coaster for everyone involved. Fehmi holds onto his passion for rap to stay strong in this rough journey.

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