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Reviews
The Wheel of Time (2021)
Beautiful imaginative evocative and ttansformative
I have been a huge fan of the Wheel of Time book series for years and was super excited about the show. I have rewatched all episodes to date and I can genuinely say I absolutely love and adore this show. This isn't a a script for page retelling of the books, but is its own thing as TV serieses ought to be. Sure some book fans are not happy but if we are being straight up neither Blade Runner, LOTR, the Godfather nor the Hobbit are faithful adaptations but I don't hear people crying about it. I suppose that it's just a cover for the fact thar they are uncomfortable with a show that dies not center white straight cisgender men or their toxic masculinity.
From a diversity point of view, I love that the show runners appear to be genuinely aiming to create a show that is as inclusive as possible. As a book fan, I always expected that the show would be as White and as straight as possible even in a wildly imaginative fantasy world where beasy human hybrids exist and people can live for hundreds of years if they have magic. I was absolutely thrilled to see that people of colour have been genuinely included in meaningful roles and not just as scenery (looking at Game of Thrones). There are also openly queer people and disabled people just living their lives and its not a big deal as it should be. Judge the show on its merits and you will surely enjoy it.
The Legend of Baron To'a (2020)
A beautiful, beautiful, beautiful movie
The Legend of Baron To'a is a love letter to wrestling, the relationship fathers and their children, legacy, community and most importantly Tongan culture. I loved the fact that the cast was very diverse, with the only white guy there playing a drop in and out role. This movie is sincere, and funny. And the action is wonderful. Definitely one of the best movies of 2020. If there is any justice in the world, the cast and crew deserves Oscars. But unlikely given the continuing lack of transformation.
Wu Assassins (2019)
Teething problems but a fun ride nevertheless.
Wu Assassins is really important for a number of reasons, chief among them,being the significant Asian representation and the truly mesmerizing fight sequences. It's not every day that you get such a beautiful looking work of art that doesn't centre around White protagonists. The fights are on another level with every kick and punch feeling truly bone breaking. Part of me sort of feels as though Wu Assassins was what Iron Fist should have been.
Iko Uwais(Raid Redemption), Byron Mann (Altered Carbon), Lewis Tan (Into the Badlands) and Juju Chan are among the most memorable in a very stellar cast of knowns and unknowns. Unfortunately for all their collective talent, they are rather let down by a clunky script that only serves to slow down the action and confuse viewers at time. There are glimmers of greatness in the writing and as such the current state us attributable to growing pains. I sincerely hope Netflix renews it for a Second Season.