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The Process

Name: The Process
Director: Ernie Reyes Jr.
Released: 1998
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

3.2/10

Limited

1998

Director

Ernie Reyes Jr.

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Process is a genre-driven action film that finds its primary progressive value in its racial centering. By placing a non-Western martial arts champion at the heart of the narrative, the film disrupts traditional Hollywood casting norms. However, the film remains tied to conventional action-cinema frameworks. It relies heavily on masculine-driven conflict and lacks the depth needed to challenge broader social structures. While the immigrant experience provides a cross-cultural lens, the film lacks significant representation regarding gender, LGBTQ+ identities, or disability, resulting in a narrow narrative scope.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Process have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or explore non-straight relationships. The story revolves around male-driven action and camaraderie.

How does The Process portray gender?

Limited

The narrative focuses on male protagonists and emphasizes masculine physical strength. It adheres to traditional combat clichés without challenging gender hierarchies or giving women significant roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Process?

Good

The film centers on a non-Western protagonist, providing meaningful representation. Shishir Inocalla’s role as an immigrant martial artist breaks the usual Hollywood focus on white leads.

How does The Process represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story uses the 'outsider in a foreign land' cliché. It focuses on localized street combat without critiquing Western institutions or morality.

Does The Process include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no visible or invisible disabilities portrayed. No characters are used as plot devices related to physical or mental health conditions.

Present on Screen

The film centers a non-Western protagonist, providing a non-Anglo-Saxon focal point in a genre often dominated by white leads.
The narrative explores cross-cultural interactions through the lens of an immigrant martial arts champion.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks gender diversity, focusing almost exclusively on male-driven conflict and masculine ability to act.
There is a notable absence of LGBTQ+ representation or narratives that challenge the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.
The story fails to incorporate characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

When martial arts champion Pinoy (Shishir Inocalla) travels to America, his fighting skills are put to the test when he finds himself in the middle of a violent gang war. Forced into sudden street combat against fierce members of the Crazy Dragons gang, Pinoy saves the life of Jesse (Ernie Reyes, Jr. - Red Sonja,The Last Dragon). Impressed with Pinoy's amazing fighting abilities and grateful for his life, Jesse befriends the stranger, introducing him to his father.

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