Messofanego
Banned
Since it's USA's Independence Day, there will be people feeling mixed feelings. What is there to celebrate with so much bad going that's been going on for so long? Therefore, I posit it's a perfect time to check out American Gods (Amazon, Starz) that celebrates the diversity and immigration stories that have made USA the melting pot that it is.
First, I gotta praise how good the intro is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkdvWsLgqQQ
Not just the music by Brian Reitzell but the imagery is some of the most striking.
On top of the stunning filmmaking with a very surreal element and gorgeous cinematography, it's a very relevant show.
One of the themes is about how races are treated in America. Shadow Moon being black and partly Native American plays a factor into the plot.
It's even the small things such as white privilege, like when Shadow gets refused a flight but Mr Wednesday gets a first class ticket by just looking like a homeless old white dude.
There is one town in Virginia called Vulcan where guns reign supreme thanks to the god Vulcan. It's no coincidence the town is all-white, and the people give shifty looks at Shadow Moon (our protagonist). Their outfits should make it fairly obvious of the fascist/neo-Nazi leanings.
There's a recurring opening segment in the episodes called "Coming To America" that tells of immigrants making it in America, warts and all. They are narrated by Demore Bornes. Each of them have to do with the Old Gods coming to America thanks to the faith of their people.
Vikings with Odin
Black slaves with Anansi/Mr Nancy. Orlando Jones' speech is amazing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTz80Ur2XeQ
Arabs with the Jinn. There's a subplot about a gay muslim Salim played by Omid Abtahi that is incredibly tender. At the end of the 6th episode, they show a nice islamic prayer scene which is quite rare to see on film or TV outside of terrorists.
Atsula and her tribe all the way from Siberia. This CGI diorama-like sequence is gorgeous.
An Egyptian grandmother Mrs Fadil, who lives below a Jewish and black family, is visited by Anubis despite being muslim but also calling more to her Egyptian heritage.
Eastern European family with the Slavic god Czernobog, played brilliantly by Peter Stormare.
The Irish as indentured servants with Essie MacGowan, fairies, and leprechauns.
Mexican immigrants trying to cross the border with Mexican Jesus. Not surprisingly, Mexican Jesus is shot by Vulcan guns.
Then there's the Ethiopian Queen Bilquis, who is the Goddess of Love and basically represents the plight of female sexual liberation thwarted throughout the ages by men. From ancient times, she then comes to Tehran and the party is stopped by Iranian revolutionaries, and then in modern day she sees islamic terrorists destroying temples. But that isn't going to stop her.
The America in American Gods isn't one that relies on niceties and neutrality. This is an America facing an upcoming war. It isn't subtle, but if you're into shows that are in your face with their themes and symbolism and get the blood pumping, this should be up your alley.
First, I gotta praise how good the intro is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkdvWsLgqQQ
Not just the music by Brian Reitzell but the imagery is some of the most striking.
On top of the stunning filmmaking with a very surreal element and gorgeous cinematography, it's a very relevant show.
One of the themes is about how races are treated in America. Shadow Moon being black and partly Native American plays a factor into the plot.
It's even the small things such as white privilege, like when Shadow gets refused a flight but Mr Wednesday gets a first class ticket by just looking like a homeless old white dude.
There is one town in Virginia called Vulcan where guns reign supreme thanks to the god Vulcan. It's no coincidence the town is all-white, and the people give shifty looks at Shadow Moon (our protagonist). Their outfits should make it fairly obvious of the fascist/neo-Nazi leanings.
There's a recurring opening segment in the episodes called "Coming To America" that tells of immigrants making it in America, warts and all. They are narrated by Demore Bornes. Each of them have to do with the Old Gods coming to America thanks to the faith of their people.
Vikings with Odin
Black slaves with Anansi/Mr Nancy. Orlando Jones' speech is amazing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTz80Ur2XeQ
Arabs with the Jinn. There's a subplot about a gay muslim Salim played by Omid Abtahi that is incredibly tender. At the end of the 6th episode, they show a nice islamic prayer scene which is quite rare to see on film or TV outside of terrorists.
Atsula and her tribe all the way from Siberia. This CGI diorama-like sequence is gorgeous.
An Egyptian grandmother Mrs Fadil, who lives below a Jewish and black family, is visited by Anubis despite being muslim but also calling more to her Egyptian heritage.
Eastern European family with the Slavic god Czernobog, played brilliantly by Peter Stormare.
The Irish as indentured servants with Essie MacGowan, fairies, and leprechauns.
Mexican immigrants trying to cross the border with Mexican Jesus. Not surprisingly, Mexican Jesus is shot by Vulcan guns.
Then there's the Ethiopian Queen Bilquis, who is the Goddess of Love and basically represents the plight of female sexual liberation thwarted throughout the ages by men. From ancient times, she then comes to Tehran and the party is stopped by Iranian revolutionaries, and then in modern day she sees islamic terrorists destroying temples. But that isn't going to stop her.
The America in American Gods isn't one that relies on niceties and neutrality. This is an America facing an upcoming war. It isn't subtle, but if you're into shows that are in your face with their themes and symbolism and get the blood pumping, this should be up your alley.
