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Hitman the Cobra

Name: Hitman the Cobra
Director: Godfrey Ho
Released: 1987
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

2.4/10

Limited

1987

Director

Godfrey Ho

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Hitman the Cobra is a traditional action film that adheres closely to commercial conventions. Its use of repurposed footage from a Filipino production provides a diverse geographic backdrop, yet the narrative remains anchored in conventional power structures. The story emphasizes masculine combat and individual heroism, leaving little room for exploring diverse social identities. Although the setting includes post-colonial tensions, the characters primarily serve the needs of a standard 1980s action film rather than delving into complex social issues. Overall, the film lacks the narrative structure needed to challenge social norms or offer meaningful representation for underrepresented groups.

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Category Breakdown

Does Hitman the Cobra have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include any characters with non-binary gender identities or same-sex relationships. The story revolves around traditional male combat scenarios.

How does Hitman the Cobra portray gender?

Limited

The narrative centers on male-led hierarchies and combat roles. Female characters are not given prominent roles or ability to act.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Hitman the Cobra?

Fair

The film showcases a complex relationship between American soldiers and local guerrillas, but these elements are used within typical action movie conventions.

How does Hitman the Cobra represent religion and culture?

Limited

The plot follows a Western perspective on war, emphasizing individual heroism over a critique of broader societal structures.

Does Hitman the Cobra include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not feature any characters with visible or invisible disabilities. The story focuses solely on physical strength and combat skills.

Present on Screen

The film offers a diverse geographic and ethnic setting due to its Filipino origins.
The narrative highlights post-colonial tensions through interactions between American and local forces.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks meaningful representation of LGBTQ+ individuals or non-traditional gender identities.
Female characters are not given significant roles or ability to act.
The story does not include characters with visible or invisible disabilities.
The narrative focuses on individual heroism rather than examining systemic or cultural issues.

Official Synopsis

"The war has reached its peak; the entire country is suffering under the bloody and merciless occupation of enemy troops. Innocent people are being tortured and ruthlessly executed. To put an end to this reign of terror once and for all, the local troops have received support from a handful of highly trained commandos. These commandos are led by the American elite soldier Gordon, who also has a very personal score to settle. The guerrilla troops are under the command of Mike, with whom he shares a gruesome past dating back to the Vietnam War. The day of deadly reckoning is drawing ever closer, and only one will survive." - DVD Back of the Box Description Hong Kong cut and paste edit of the 1984 Filipino War film "Kumander Sumulong" with new scenes.

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