You are here:

The Ballroom

Name: The Ballroom
Director: Laís Bodanzky
Released: 2007
Duration: 95 min

Representation Score

6.3/10

Good

2007

Director

Laís Bodanzky

Runtime

95 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The Ballroom presents a humanistic view of aging through a multi-ethnic lens. By focusing on the active roles of older characters, it avoids many passive stereotypes found in mainstream films. The film's strength lies in its organic depiction of São Paulo's diverse community. However, it lacks explicit detail about specific LGBTQ+ identities or disabilities, limiting its inclusivity.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Ballroom have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film explores intimacy and desire in a communal dance hall. While specific LGBTQ+ identities aren't detailed, the setting allows for a nuanced approach to relationships.

How does The Ballroom portray gender?

Good

The film centers on the emotional lives of older men and women, challenging typical youth-centric and male-dominated narratives. Aging characters actively pursue desire.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Ballroom?

Good

Set in São Paulo, the film highlights the multi-ethnic makeup of the city. The focus on local characters provides an authentic, non-homogeneous portrayal of society.

How does The Ballroom represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative emphasizes humanistic, secular themes over religious or patriotic ones. Earthy humor celebrates social fluidity and the breaking down of formal etiquette.

Does The Ballroom include disability representation?

Minimal

The film examines the physical realities of aging but does not depict specific neurodivergent or physical disabilities influencing character arcs.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional gender hierarchies by highlighting the active roles of older characters.
Offers an authentic, multi-ethnic portrayal of life in a major Brazilian city.
Emphasizes humanistic, secular themes over rigid institutional or religious frameworks.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit, detailed depictions of specific LGBTQ+ identities.
Provides no clear representation of neurodivergent or physically disabled characters.

Official Synopsis

An evening in an old time dance hall in Sao Paulo introduces us to local characters who reminisce about the past, wonder about the future, have fun, flirt, fight and, of course, dance. Its earthy humour and eternal themes of ageing, loneliness and desire is an antidote to grumpy old men and women everywhere.

How are these scores produced? →