Why Most Bangladeshi Viewers Dislike the Movie Extraction

The movie Extraction, starring Chris Hemsworth and released in 2020, faced strong criticism from many in Bangladesh for various reasons. This article will delve into the specific concerns raised by Bangladeshi viewers and the broader context of how Western media portrays non-Western nations.

H1: Cultural Representation

Many Bangladeshi viewers felt that the film Extraction portrayed their country in a negative light, primarily focusing on violence and crime. This could reinforce stereotypes and fail to capture the rich culture and diversity of Bangladesh. The film's depiction was criticized for its inaccuracies in showcasing the capital, Dhaka, with some scenes filmed in India, leading to concerns about authenticity and urban life representation.

H1: Setting and Accuracy

Another significant criticism was the inaccuracy of the setting. The film's portrayal of Dhaka as a chaotic and lawless city, filled with high levels of anarchy, is considered an exaggeration. Critics argue that such a portrayal is virtually impossible in reality and could harm the international perception of Bangladesh. These inaccuracies led to a general sense of discontent among Bangladeshi viewers.

H1: Characterization

The narrative of Extraction centers around a Western protagonist rescuing a kidnapped child. This storyline has been interpreted by some viewers as a trope that diminishes the agency of local characters and reinforces a savior complex. This characterization is detrimental to the portrayal of local heroes and leaders, leading to frustration among many Bangladeshi viewers who feel that their own stories are overlooked and misrepresented.

H1: Political Context and Public Sentiment

Furthermore, the backdrop of crime and corruption in the story could be sensitive topics for some viewers, leading to discomfort regarding how these issues are portrayed. The political context of the film's narrative can be concerning as it might amplify negative stereotypes and create a broader cultural issue. The film sparked a broader discussion about how Western media represents non-Western countries, leading many Bangladeshis to express a desire for more nuanced and accurate storytelling about their homeland.

H2: The Role of Cinemas as Propaganda Tools

Cinemas can play a significant role as a propaganda tool. Being featured in a Hollywood movie is not always a positive thing for a developing country. Hollywood movies often encourage various negative stereotypes about people, which can be harmful. The recent trend in Hollywood movies portraying Bangladesh as the poorest country with violent criminals is a cause for concern.

These portrayals can create a bad impression internationally, leading to potential targeting of expatriates and damaging the economy. The garment and pharmaceutical industries, as well as the shipbuilding industry, are crucial to Bangladesh's economy. The negative portrayal of the country could lead to a loss of confidence and support from the international community, which would be detrimental to the economy.

H2: The Impact on Non-Western Nations

Western media has a significant influence on international perception, and negative portrayals can exacerbate a cycle of criticism and misunderstanding. It is important for media outlets to strive for more accurate and nuanced portrayals to foster a better understanding of non-Western nations.

H2: Conclusion

In conclusion, the film Extraction highlights the complex issues surrounding the portrayal of non-Western nations in Western media. The combination of cultural representation, setting accuracy, characterization, and political context led to widespread dissatisfaction among Bangladeshi viewers. It is crucial for filmmakers and media outlets to consider these factors to create more accurate and culturally sensitive representations.