Inspired by the Bechdel Test which measures women's representation in films, the DLA Test measures violence in movies. A story passes the DLA test when the hero doesn't kill any other character nor is violence the solution. It does not require the total absence of violence; the hero and others may have to deal with violence but brutal vengeance is disqualifying. Pixar films and Rom-Coms easily pass the DLA Test whereas nearly every superhero story fails.
Gran Torino is an excellent film where the hero martyrs himself. But his architected violence means it fails the DLA Test. It's too bad so many great movies fail the DLA Test, but maybe that says something about our violent culture.
by Corpania October 1, 2021