Monkey Man
Watchability Score
★★★★★★★★★☆☆
Monkey Man takes viewers on a wild ride through an epic mythological world where the struggle for survival is visceral and enthralling. While its action-packed storyline grips you, the film’s approach to mental health hits a controversial note.
Mental Health Guide
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Monkey Man is deeply embedded in myth, which means it doesn't aim to modernize or accurately depict mental health issues, violence is presented as the primary response for the characters. This choice can be problematic, as it perpetuates the misconception that mental illness is directly linked to aggression. While the fantastical elements provide escapism, they fall short when it comes to responsible representation.
Potentially Harmful Elements
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The film indulges a bit in the "psycho" stereotype, portraying some characters as unpredictable and violent.
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While it's a myth, the film misses the chance to clarify that its depictions aren't relatable to real-world mental health situations.
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There's little-to-no explicit depiction of self-harm or suicide, which is a relief given the film's themes.
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The movie strongly ties violence to its characters, which is a disappointing choice.
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There are intense scenes that could trigger sensitive viewers, especially without proper context.
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It doesn’t romanticize mental health struggles but rather portrays them as an afterthought in its action sequences.
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Care settings are not depicted, likely due to the fantasy context.
Potentially Helpful Elements
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It diverges significantly from realistic portrayals, making it difficult to draw parallels with actual disorders.
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The narrative suggests struggle, but recovery isn't portrayed in a meaningful way.
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There’s a lack of helpful resources presented, no therapy or support structures depicted.
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Some characters attempt to support each other, but the narratives often focus on individual battles over teamwork.
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While there’s a varied cast, their experiences aren't deeply explored, leading to missed opportunities for representation.
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Characters exhibit moments of agency but mainly within the context of violence rather than constructive growth.
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There's no educational takeaway or resource signposting, which is essential for mental health discussions.
Trigger-WarningS
Graphic violence
depictions of aggression and conflict
