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Under the Gun

Name: Under the Gun
Director: James Sbardellati
Released: 1988
Duration: 86 min

Representation Score

2.8/10

Limited

1988

Director

James Sbardellati

Runtime

86 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Under the Gun is a typical 1980s action-comedy that follows the genre's standard structures. It relies on traditional action and romance formulas without challenging broader societal norms. While the film includes a racially diverse female lead, the narrative emphasizes traditional gender roles and authority dynamics. The central plot revolves around a male protagonist navigating a violent environment.

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Category Breakdown

Does Under the Gun have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or narratives that question the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender. The romantic storyline focuses on a traditional relationship between the main characters.

How does Under the Gun portray gender?

Fair

The story is driven by a male-dominated action narrative. Samantha Richardson, a key character, holds professional authority but her role is partly defined by the male protagonist's interest in her.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Under the Gun?

Fair

Vanessa Williams' casting adds racial diversity among the main roles. However, the film maintains a traditional portrayal of law enforcement and crime.

How does Under the Gun represent religion and culture?

Limited

The film follows classic 1980s action clichés focusing on individual heroism and law enforcement. It does not address or challenge Western cultural institutions or secular themes.

Does Under the Gun include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not mention any visible or invisible disabilities. There are no characters identified as neurodivergent or having physical impairments.

Present on Screen

The casting of Vanessa Williams adds racial diversity among the main roles.

Limited or Absent

The narrative relies heavily on traditional masculine-driven plots and romantic clichés.
The film lacks representation for LGBTQ+ identities and various disability types.
The story follows conventional law-and-order morality without challenging existing social hierarchies.

Official Synopsis

A St. Louis cop, Mike Braxton (Sam Jones), receives an urgent call for help from his brother Tony (Nick Cassavetes), a small time thief in Los Angeles. Mike rushes to LA and finds that his brother has been murdered and his brother Tony's girlfriend gunned down right in front of him. Mike quickly learns Tony was a courier for an arms smuggler, Simon Stone (John Russell). When Mike meets Stone's lawyer, Samantha Richardson (Vanessa Williams), the two team up to bring down Stone's arms smuggling empire. However, Mike's infatuation with Samantha keeps putting them in greater danger.

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