The Fiction Podcast

Mulan (1998): I'll Make A "Woman" Out of You! (What Makes a Hero?) — S.4 - Episode 8

The Fiction Podcast hosts, Frank and Justin, discuss the animated movie 'Mulan' and its exploration of ancient world themes, Mulan's journey of identity and self-discovery, the depiction of war and violence, and the character's legendary status. They also discuss mature themes, authenticity, and the portrayal of dark themes in the movie. It also compares Mulan's heroism with other movie characters and explores the concept of duty and honor. Keeping in theme, the hosts compare Mulan's "hero's journey" with that of Odysseus, evaluating her martial arts and battle attributes, and discussing the differences between the animated and live-action Mulan. The hosts also conduct a heat map character evaluation, present the "Ron Weasley Award," and of course, grade the move (C is average). Takeaways * Exploration of mature themes in Mulan * Mulan's journey of self-discovery and authenticity Mulan's journey mirrors that of a classic hero's journey * The comparison of Mulan to Odysseus highlights her unique attributes and qualities Chapters * 00:00 Introduction to Mulan * 11:23 Mulan's Performance and Identity * 16:39 War and Violence in Mulan * 25:27 Duty, Honor, and Legendary Status * 31:19 Comparing Mulan to Odysseus * 36:27 Heat Map Character Evaluation * 43:09 The Ron Weasley Award * 49:34 Mulan as a Hero

Hero (2002): Does the Greatest Hero Choose Not to Fight? — S.4 - Episode 7

Frank and Justin continue their discussion of the Ancient World, exploring legendary heroes in ancient cultures, with their review of the 2002 movie 'Hero' and its themes of heroism, peace, and the cost of violence. The discussion covers the use of color in storytelling, the portrayal of heroism, the propaganda and politics of the story, and the relationship dynamics between the characters. The conversation delves into the epic fight scenes, the world-building and intricate scenes, ranking the assassins, the Ron Weasley Award, movie grading, and final thoughts. Takeaways * The movie explores the theme of heroism and the cost of peace. * The use of color in the storytelling adds depth and meaning to the narrative. Beautiful filmography * Character analysis Chapters * 00:00 The Relationship Between Flying Snow and Broken Sword * 38:10 World Building and Intricate Scenes * 43:29 Ranking the Assassins * 53:14 Movie Grading and Final Thoughts

The Prince of Egypt (1998) — Moses — S.4 - Episode 6

Continuing on their discussion of thee Ancient World, Hosts Frank and Justin delves into the heroic themes depicted in 'The Prince of Egypt.' This discussion covers the theme of faith, the exploration of the ancient world, the story of the Exodus, the tragic hero, the hero's sacrifice, the cost of victory, and the exploration of heroic themes. The conversation delves into the relatability of Moses as a hero, the comparison of animation styles, and the humorous 'Ron Weasley Award' segment, ending with (of course) the Grade, where C is average. Takeaways * Ancient World Exploration * Heroic Themes Moses as a relatable hero * Comparison of animation styles * The Ron Weasley Award * Grading the movie Chapters * 00:00 Introduction and Faith * 07:17 The Ron Weasley Award * 20:13 The Hero's Sacrifice * 25:24 The Cost of Victory * 31:30 Exploring Heroic Themes * 40:23 The Ron Weasley Award

"Seasoning" Season 4 — S.4 — Bonus Episode 5

In this bonus episode, Frank and Justin take an interlude and riff on ancient leaders, strategy, and militaries through fun games such as 'this or that' and 'blind ranking.' Join the party. Takeaways * Exploring the concept of leadership and military strategy through a 'this or that' game * Discussion on the appeal of different historical armies and the desire to be part of them * Consideration of career choices in different historical eras and the challenges associated with them * Reflection on the appeal of living in the 1980s and the desire to experience the culture of that time period Chapters * 00:00 Bonus Episode: A Game of 'This or That' * 08:03 Career Choices in Different Historical Eras * 22:37 The Appeal of Living in the 1980s

300 (2006) — Did Someone Order Abs? S.4 — Episode 4

Hosts Frank and Justin continue their tour of the Ancient World by exploring a romanticized portrayal of history through the lens of the movie '300.' Directed by Zack Snyder, this movie is based on the graphic novel by Frank Miller. The conversation covers the myth and reality of the Spartans, the depiction of Leonidas and Spartan culture and training, and the balance between history and propaganda. The conversation hits on the world building and cinematography of the film, and the enduring legacy of Leonidas and the 300. The hosts continue to present the 'Ron Weasley Award,' because why not, and grade of the movie '300.' Takeaways * Romanticized portrayal of history * The depiction of Leonidas and Spartan culture * The balance between history and propaganda Spartan culture and training * World building and cinematography * The enduring legacy of Leonidas and the 300 Heroes vs. Legends * The Tragic Legend of Leonidas Chapters * 00:00 The Brutality of Spartan Life * 36:51 The World Building and Cinematography * 46:03 The Ron Weasley Award * 58:25 Next Week: Prince of Egypt