Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017) | How Woke Is It?

Our VerdictNot Woke

15%

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets2017

In a free society the right to critique art is essential and protected speech. These reviews reflect personal opinions and not statements of fact.

What We Think

“Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets” is mostly an old-school sci-fi romp that’s more interested in spectacle than pushing any modern ideological agenda. Any nods to diversity or politics are superficial at best. Not much woke here!

Score Breakdown

Compromised:Narrative Integrity

Mildly Woke

What is this?

The film puts flashy sci-fi visuals ahead of any real ideological messaging. Characters are largely cast for fit and charisma, not to check diversity boxes. Nearly every plot point and relationship is driven by adventure rather than social commentary, and identity of the leads isn’t emphasized as a statement.

Compromised:Cultural Foundations

Not Woke

What is this?

The film doesn’t really bother with challenging religion, family, or masculinity. It largely sticks to traditional action-adventure tropes, with the male lead being heroic and the female lead as a sharp, independent partner, without subverting classic gender roles in any aggressive way.

Compromised:Ideological Monoculture

Not Woke

What is this?

While there is some generic messaging about tolerance and peace (as is typical in space operas), there’s no overt ideological monoculture. Few traditional ideas are mocked or villainized, and different perspectives are present via the diverse alien cultures.

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Disclaimer: In a free society the right to critique art is essential and protected as a form of free speech and freedom of expression. The reviews and commentary on this site represent personal opinions and interpretations. They are not statements of fact and should not be taken as factual claims about any individual, company, or creative work.