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The Criminal Quartet

Name: The Criminal Quartet
Director: Aleksandr Muratov
Released: 1990
Duration: 85 min

Representation Score

2.7/10

Limited

1990

Director

Aleksandr Muratov

Runtime

85 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Criminal Quartet is a crime thriller that emphasizes traditional action clichés over diverse representation. The narrative centers on a close-knit group of men navigating social instability and institutional collapse during a time of political change. While the film effectively critiques state-run economic corruption, it remains rooted in established masculine archetypes. The story focuses on a father's mission to save his son, which is culturally relevant but lacks diversity in gender and identity. Ultimately, the film serves as a localized crime procedural. It delves into the erosion of trust in social order but does not aim to challenge traditional social hierarchies or demographic norms.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Criminal Quartet have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include any queer narratives or non-straight identities. The story revolves around traditional family bonds and male camaraderie.

How does The Criminal Quartet portray gender?

Limited

The story focuses on a male-dominated group of investigators and officers. A female reporter provides a glimpse of female involvement, but the narrative emphasizes masculine protector roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Criminal Quartet?

Limited

The cast appears ethnically homogeneous, typical of productions from the Soviet era. There is no indication of intentional racial diversity.

How does The Criminal Quartet represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film moderately challenges cultural norms by criticizing systemic corruption and weakening state institutions. It examines the tension between personal ability to act and societal decay.

Does The Criminal Quartet include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters with visible or invisible disabilities in the narrative.

Present on Screen

Explores themes of systemic corruption and the failure of state institutions.
Provides a compelling look at social instability during a period of geopolitical transition.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight narratives.
Depends heavily on male-dominated archetypes, limiting gender diversity.
Shows no evidence of racial or ethnic diversity within the cast.

Official Synopsis

Mafia kidnaps an investigator's little son after he discovers massive thefts on a local shoe factory. With the help of his three old friends, two cops and a newspaper reporter he struggles to rescue his son and close the case at the same time.

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