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Rising Son

Name: Rising Son
Director: John David Coles
Released: 1990
Duration: 92 min

Representation Score

3.8/10

Limited

1990

Not Rated

Director

John David Coles

Runtime

92 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Rising Son explores the breakdown of traditional stability through the collapse of the industrial landscape. While the film centers on a patriarch, it avoids simplistic clichés by showing how economic volatility reshapes family roles. The narrative successfully dismantles the 'provider' stereotype, giving meaningful weight to the experiences of the wife and son. This creates a multi-generational perspective on social change rather than a purely male-centric struggle. However, the film's diversity is limited by a lack of visible representation for LGBTQ+ identities and disabilities. The absence of racial data also prevents a complete understanding of its social scope.

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Category Breakdown

Does Rising Son have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include any visible LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight relationships. The story focuses on a traditional family dealing with economic hardship.

How does Rising Son portray gender?

Good

Martha and Charlie play significant roles in the story, challenging traditional gender roles. They are not passive observers but active participants in the narrative.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Rising Son?

Minimal

The film does not provide information about the racial or ethnic backgrounds of the Robinson family. Therefore, their ethnic makeup remains unknown.

How does Rising Son represent religion and culture?

Good

The story critiques the instability of capitalist systems and Western social structures. It examines how economic changes affect established social orders.

Does Rising Son include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not feature any characters with physical, sensory, or neurodivergent disabilities. The focus remains on economic and family dynamics.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional gender roles by giving real power to Martha and Charlie.
Examines the fragility of capitalist structures and the social contract.
Presents a nuanced, multi-generational perspective on systemic economic shifts.

Limited or Absent

Does not include visible LGBTQ+ representation or non-straight relationships.
Does not feature any characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.
Does not establish the racial or ethnic identities of the central characters.

Official Synopsis

Gus Robinson loves three things: his job, family, and country; but suddenly he's losing all three. When his factory shuts down, Gus faces unemployment. It's a time of change for his wife Martha and son Charlie as they reassess a world Gus barely recognizes. But through the nightmare, one dream they cannot take away from him; the reason he will continue to fight: his son, Charlie.

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