8.0
Viewer Rating
Combines user and critic ratings from four sources
Imitation of Life (1959)
Imitation of Life (1959)
Overview
In 1940s New York, a white widow who dreams of being on Broadway has a chance encounter with a black single mother, who becomes her maid.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
Rating & Dimensions
Bias Rating
Analyzing...
Progressive
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: High
Race Swap: Yes
Christianity: Positive
Viewer Rating
8.0
Overview
In 1940s New York, a white widow who dreams of being on Broadway has a chance encounter with a black single mother, who becomes her maid.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
Detailed Bias Analysis
Analyzing...
Progressive
Primary
The film critiques racial prejudice and explores the profound pain of identity denial, aligning with progressive values by highlighting the human cost of discrimination, though its resolution is primarily emotional and individual rather than advocating for systemic change.
The movie features visible diversity in its central cast, with a significant storyline exploring racial identity and prejudice through its Black characters. The narrative implicitly critiques the societal impact of racism, making the themes of racial struggle central to the film's emotional core.
Secondary
The character of Sarah Jane, who is canonically a Black woman passing for white in the source novel and 1934 film, is portrayed by white actresses in the 1959 adaptation. This constitutes a race swap.
The film portrays Annie's deep Christian faith and her community with profound respect and sympathy, showcasing it as a source of strength, dignity, and love amidst racial prejudice and personal sacrifice. The narrative aligns with the virtues of her faith, particularly evident in her unwavering devotion and the powerful funeral scene.
Imitation of Life (1959) does not feature any identifiable LGBTQ+ characters or themes. The film's narrative centers on issues of race, motherhood, and societal expectations in mid-20th century America, without touching upon queer identities or experiences.
Imitation of Life, 1959, focuses on racial identity, motherhood, and social class struggles. The narrative does not include any identifiable transsexual characters or themes. Therefore, the film's portrayal of transsexual characters and themes is N/A, as these elements are entirely absent from the story.
The movie does not contain any action or adventure elements.
The 1959 film "Imitation of Life" is an adaptation of the 1934 film and 1933 novel. All major characters, such as Lora Meredith, Annie Johnson, and Steve Archer, maintain the same gender as their counterparts in the source material.
Viewer Rating Breakdown
User Ratings
7.8
7.5
Critic Ratings
8.2
8.7
More Like This
Progressive
7.2
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner
(1967)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: High
Leans Progressive
7.9
Broken Blossoms or The Yellow Man and the Girl
(1919)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
Progressive
7.9
Good Luck to You, Leo Grande
(2022)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: Positive
Progressive
7.7
The Watermelon Woman
(1997)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: Positive
Leans Progressive
6.7
Chocolat
(2000)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
Progressive
7.4
Out
(2020)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: Positive
Progressive
8.0
Your Name Engraved Herein
(2020)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: Positive
Leans Progressive
7.8
A Single Man
(2009)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: Positive
Leans Progressive
6.6
Carmen Jones
(1954)
Political: Center
Diversity: High
Leans Progressive
7.3
Moulin Rouge!
(2001)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: Positive
Progressive
7.5
Children of a Lesser God
(1986)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: High
Progressive
7.1
Desert Hearts
(1985)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: Positive
Leans Progressive
7.9
The English Patient
(1996)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: Neutral
Leans Progressive
6.7
Romeo + Juliet
(1996)
Political: Center
Diversity: High
Leans Progressive
6.7
The Threesome
(2025)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: Positive
Progressive
7.5
Torch Song Trilogy
(1988)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: Positive
Progressive
7.7
Hairspray
(2007)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: Positive
Progressive
8.2
Brokeback Mountain
(2005)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: Positive
Progressive
7.9
West Side Story
(2021)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: Positive
Leans Progressive
7.1
Frida
(2002)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: Positive