6.7
Viewer Rating
Combines user and critic ratings from four sources
The Ballad of Little Jo (1993)
The Ballad of Little Jo (1993)
Overview
After being thrown out of her home, a young woman decides to disguise herself as a man to survive the ruthless Wild West.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
Rating & Dimensions
Bias Rating
Analyzing...
Leans Progressive
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: Positive
Trans: Positive
Christianity: Negative
Viewer Rating
6.7
Overview
After being thrown out of her home, a young woman decides to disguise herself as a man to survive the ruthless Wild West.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
Detailed Bias Analysis
Analyzing...
Leans Progressive
Primary
The film critiques the oppressive patriarchal structures and rigid gender roles of the 19th century, forcing a woman to adopt a male identity for survival and autonomy, thereby aligning with progressive values through its exploration of systemic disadvantage and individual adaptation.
The movie primarily features traditional casting. However, its narrative explicitly critiques traditional gender roles and patriarchal societal structures, centering on a woman who adopts a male identity for survival and self-determination.
Secondary
The film portrays Josephine Monaghan's decades-long adoption of a male identity for survival with dignity and complexity. It respectfully depicts her intimate relationship with Tinman Wong within this context, affirming the worth of their unconventional bond. The narrative emphasizes resilience and agency against societal constraints.
The film portrays Josephine Monaghan's decades-long life as "Jo," a man, with dignity and empathy. Driven by survival and a quest for independence, her story explores themes of gender presentation and identity construction. The narrative affirms her resilience and agency, framing obstacles as external societal pressures rather than inherent flaws in her chosen path.
The film portrays Christian-influenced societal norms and institutions as rigid, hypocritical, and unforgiving, leading to the protagonist's ostracization and hardship. It critiques the lack of compassion and the oppressive nature of these moral judgments rather than the faith itself.
The movie does not contain any action or adventure elements.
The film's central character, Jo, is a woman who disguises herself as a man within the narrative for survival. This is an instance of gender disguise within the story, not a gender swap of a character established as a different gender in prior canon or history.
The film is a biopic based on the real historical figure Josephine Monaghan, an Irish immigrant who was white. The character is portrayed by a white actress, Suzy Amis, aligning with the historical record.
Viewer Rating Breakdown
User Ratings
6.7
5.8
Critic Ratings
7.7
N/A
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