Oh yes, there's definitely plot issues with the movie as well. I definitely agree that it's too convoluted. It's a good point about us being in the main character's shoes, but I think that if the portrayals hadn't been playing into disturbing stereotypes (as well as there being almost no good representations of people of colour, except perhaps the Swamp Witch), that the issue of voice wouldn't have been so bothering to me.
Why can't they just be generic island tribe that are cannibals? That would probably work better if the movie wasn't specifically located in the Caribbean. Because we know where we are - versus some nebulous part of the ocean - then it does suggest that it is the Calinago people. And none of the peoples in the Caribbean were cannibals (and in fact calling the Calingos cannibals is tied to the slave trade). Obviously this is not a film that's striving for historical accuracy but they are clearly trying to be somewhat true to history (ie. with the British and the East India Trading Company). Obviously there are more mystical elements that suggest a parallel universe but still the location very much evokes the Calingos (especially since they are not associated with any of the mystical elements).
As you say, the British and the East India Trading Company aren't portrayed as particularly nice people. I do think it's a different thing when portraying people who were oppressors versus those who were/are oppressed.
One of the themes of the film is how people can be corrupted. Ah yes, that is a good point. As you note, very few people are acting honourably in the film.
When I was reflecting on my reaction to the film (especially since I'm a white North American), I decided to see how descendants of the Caliango reacted. Their reaction suggests to me that this is still an issue that - although this is a period piece - should not be ignored today.
Good point about it being a homage. Of course, that doesn't mean that most viewers will get the homage (especially younger viewers), and I think there's a way to pay homage without perpetuating old stereotypes. They clearly make an effort for the female lead to reflect our current ideas about women because she is not just a damsel in distress but a very active character (she even fights with swords!).
But of course, as we've both noted, this is Hollywood. The movie is ultimately being produced to make money. I guess it makes me feel better to think about this and discuss the issues that bothered me. *g*
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Why can't they just be generic island tribe that are cannibals?
That would probably work better if the movie wasn't specifically located in the Caribbean. Because we know where we are - versus some nebulous part of the ocean - then it does suggest that it is the Calinago people. And none of the peoples in the Caribbean were cannibals (and in fact calling the Calingos cannibals is tied to the slave trade). Obviously this is not a film that's striving for historical accuracy but they are clearly trying to be somewhat true to history (ie. with the British and the East India Trading Company). Obviously there are more mystical elements that suggest a parallel universe but still the location very much evokes the Calingos (especially since they are not associated with any of the mystical elements).
As you say, the British and the East India Trading Company aren't portrayed as particularly nice people.
I do think it's a different thing when portraying people who were oppressors versus those who were/are oppressed.
One of the themes of the film is how people can be corrupted.
Ah yes, that is a good point. As you note, very few people are acting honourably in the film.
When I was reflecting on my reaction to the film (especially since I'm a white North American), I decided to see how descendants of the Caliango reacted. Their reaction suggests to me that this is still an issue that - although this is a period piece - should not be ignored today.
Good point about it being a homage. Of course, that doesn't mean that most viewers will get the homage (especially younger viewers), and I think there's a way to pay homage without perpetuating old stereotypes. They clearly make an effort for the female lead to reflect our current ideas about women because she is not just a damsel in distress but a very active character (she even fights with swords!).
But of course, as we've both noted, this is Hollywood. The movie is ultimately being produced to make money. I guess it makes me feel better to think about this and discuss the issues that bothered me. *g*