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Manifesto
Movie

Manifesto

2023 • Unknown

Woke Score
7
out of 10

Plot

Chen Wangdao returns from his studies in Japan and takes on the task of translating the Communist Manifesto, which changes the course of his life.

Overall Series Review

Manifesto is a Chinese historical biopic focusing on the life of scholar Chen Wangdao and his dedication to translating The Communist Manifesto into Chinese, a pivotal event in the nation's political history. The film functions as a tribute to revolutionary heroes and their 'unwavering faith' in the new ideology. The narrative is defined by its embrace of a radical, anti-traditional political system as a civilizational renewal. It scores very high in categories related to the rejection of the old social order and anti-theism, as its subject is the foundational text of an atheist, revolutionary movement. It scores very low in modern Western identity politics, feminism, and queer theory, as these are not the focus of this Chinese historical political drama. The film's woke alignment is ideological and anti-traditional/anti-theistic rather than intersectional and gender-focused.

Categorical Breakdown

Identity Politics2/10

The narrative centers on the ideological merit, sacrifice, and political conviction of the main character and his comrades. The characters are judged by their dedication to a revolutionary ideal rather than immutable characteristics or modern intersectional identity hierarchies. The primary conflict is class-based and political, not related to vilifying 'whiteness' or forced diversity.

Oikophobia7/10

The central premise frames the existing pre-Communist society as oppressive and corrupt, requiring a complete civilizational break and revolution. The movie celebrates the abandonment of the old Chinese social and political structures for a new, foreign-originated ideology, embracing a total rejection of the ancestral 'home' system in favor of a new political foundation.

Feminism2/10

The focus is on the historical and political movement led primarily by male figures. Female characters, such as the protagonist's wife and mother, are depicted in traditional or supporting roles, demonstrating familial dedication to the male hero's revolutionary work. There is no evidence of 'Girl Boss' tropes, emasculation of males, or anti-natalist messaging.

LGBTQ+1/10

The film is a historical biopic about a 20th-century political figure and the translation of a revolutionary text. The plot contains no known elements of centering alternative sexualities, deconstructing the nuclear family, or promoting gender ideology.

Anti-Theism9/10

The core subject is the adoption of The Communist Manifesto, a doctrine explicitly founded on materialism and atheism. The narrative frames the political ideology itself as a new 'unwavering faith' and the 'way' (Wangdao), replacing traditional spiritual faith. This narrative substitutes the transcendent moral law of religion with a new, equally absolute political-moral law, making the content extremely anti-theistic toward traditional religion.