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The Duel

Name: The Duel
Director: Diego Hallivis
Released: 2011
Duration: 105 min

Representation Score

3.6/10

Limited

2011

PG-13

Director

Diego Hallivis

Runtime

105 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Duel centers on a conventional underdog sports drama focused on personal resilience. While the protagonist faces systemic hardships like abuse and poverty, the narrative prioritizes individual merit and competitive success over a critique of power dynamics. The film lacks significant representation across several key categories, such as LGBTQ+ identities, and doesn't challenge traditional gender roles. The urban setting implies diversity, but the text doesn't confirm multi-layered depth.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Duel have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film doesn't explicitly address LGBTQ+ identities or queer narratives. Instead, it focuses on athletic competition and family responsibilities.

How does The Duel portray gender?

Fair

Characters like Jules and the protagonist's mother show strong female presence and ability to act. However, the story doesn't challenge traditional gender roles or masculine dominance.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Duel?

Fair

The urban setting suggests a diverse environment. Yet, the narrative doesn't confirm multi-layered depth or include a predominantly non-white cast.

How does The Duel represent religion and culture?

Fair

Themes of economic struggle and escaping abuse are present. The story emphasizes traditional meritocratic values rather than critiquing social or religious institutions.

Does The Duel include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no mention of characters with physical, neurodivergent, or mental health disabilities in the narrative.

Present on Screen

The narrative explores themes of resilience and overcoming systemic hardship like abuse.
Female characters like Jules play a significant role in driving the competitive plot.
The urban setting provides a framework for potential racial and cultural diversity.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or queer narratives.
There is no evidence of characters navigating physical or neurodivergent disabilities.
The story relies on traditional meritocratic values rather than deconstructing social hierarchies.

Official Synopsis

With a fresh start, trying to escape an abusive past, Vance and his mother have just moved to a new city. Searching for a way to support his family while continuing his education he joins forces with Jules, who is looking for a highly skilled, basketball duel partner. With their impressive talent these two start cleaning the streets, winning every duel in town. Once word spreads they're invited to enter the ultra-violent, competitive duel championship. With high hopes for the win they'll do whatever it takes to walk off the court the new champions. Written by Elizabeth Obermeier, Marketing Manager

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