Poster #37 - Cinematic Criminology: Comparing Cultural Narratives of Crime and Justice in Film

• In Event: ASC Poster Session II

Abstract

This study examines how crime films reflect and reinforce culturally specific understandings of crime and justice, using a comparative analysis of Western and Southeast Asian cinematic portrayals. The research investigates how cultural context influences the depiction of criminal behavior, law enforcement, and public attitudes toward crime. Through an analysis of selected crime films—including Law and Order (U.S.) and various Asian productions—the study highlights key differences in narrative framing, such as the accessibility of firearms in the U.S. versus the emphasis on unarmed policing in many Asian countries. These cinematic choices reflect deeper sociopolitical realities, including legal frameworks, historical legacies, and public perceptions of authority. Findings suggest that Western criminological solutions—such as increased police militarization or punitive justice—are often embedded in films and may not translate effectively across cultural contexts. The study argues that crime films are not merely entertainment but cultural texts that can broaden our understanding of diverse approaches to crime and justice. Representing these variations in film contributes to a more inclusive criminological discourse and supports the development of context-sensitive crime prevention strategies.

Author

• Lindsay Song, Wayland Academy