The Fiction Podcast

The Northman (2022): Was Revenge Worth It? — S.4 - Episode 11

The Fiction Podcast continue their tour of the Ancient World in discussing Robert Eggers' 2022 Viking movie, The Northman, featuring Alexander Skarsgard. The conversation delves into the movie's cinematography, world-building, character development, and emotional range of the main character, Amleth. The hosts explore the historical and mythological aspects of the film, sharing their general takes and hot takes on various elements. From there, they discuss the tragedy of the protagonist's inability to let go, character analysis and "Who needs Therapy" rating of the key characters, as well as grading the movie. Skål!!! Takeaways * Cinematography and world-building were standout elements of the movie. * The character development and emotional range of the main character, Amleth, were lacking. Tragedy of the protagonist's inability to let go * Character analysis and therapy rating * "Viking vibes" and grading the movie Chapters * 00:00 Introduction to the Fiction Podcast * 06:16 History and World Building * 19:24 Character Development and Emotional Range * 28:52 Amleth's Decision and Conclusion * 34:17 Therapy Ratings * 40:21 Viking Vibes * 46:29 The Ron Weasley Award & grading the movie * 53:34 Preview: The Odyssey

Black Panther (2018): The King, The Revolutionary, and The Legend — S.4 - Episode 10

Frank and Justin continue Season 4 with their discussion of the movie Black Panther, where they explore Wakanda and world building, character analysis of T'Challa and Killmonger, and the legendary status of Black Panther as a symbol. The conversation also hits the theme of isolationism in Wakanda, character analysis through a 'heat map,' the Ron Weasley Award, and of course, grading the movie. Takeaways * Exploration of Wakanda and world building in Black Panther is a blend of traditional West African culture and modern technology, creating a rich and immersive setting. * The characters of T'Challa and Killmonger in Black Panther challenge traditional hero and villain archetypes, blurring the lines between morality and compromise. * The legendary status of Black Panther as a symbol transcends individual characters, representing the protector of Wakanda and the legacy of the Black Panther mantle. The significance of the Black Panther as a legendary character * Debate on the duty of Wakanda to the world * The use of a 'heat map' for character analysis * The Ron Weasley Award * Grading the movie Chapters * 00:00 Introduction to Black Panther * 19:34 Character Analysis: T'Challa * 26:12 Character Analysis: Killmonger * 37:25 Legendary Status of Black Panther * 44:24 Heat Map: Character Analysis * 55:13 The Ron Weasley Award * 01:06:30 Upcoming Episodes

The Woman King (2022): Always obey Izogie! | Warrior Legends & Hard Truths — S.4 - Episode 9

The Fiction Podcast explores the themes of heroism, sacrifice, and the portrayal of African culture in the movie 'The Woman King.' They discuss the main characters Nanisca and Nawi, their journeys, and the challenges they face, while also addressing the taboo themes and historical context of the Agojie. The conversation covers a range of topics, including character appreciation, dealing with slavery, rewriting history, acknowledging atrocities, empowerment of women, depicting emotional stories, actor's role selection, guilty pleasure movies, nostalgic movie picks, the heat map, Ron Weasley Award, and, yes of course, grading the movie. Takeaways * Exploration of heroism and sacrifice * Portrayal of African culture in 'The Woman King' Empowerment of women is a significant theme in the movie. * The conversation covers a diverse range of topics, from character appreciation to guilty pleasure movies. Chapters * 00:00 Introducing The Fiction Podcast * 06:24 The Woman King's Synopsis * 11:38 Viola Davis's Performance * 17:07 The Themes of Sacrifice and Heroism * 22:13 The Film's Approach to Taboo Themes * 27:45 Nanisca's Defiance and Leadership * 36:08 Character Appreciation * 42:24 Depicting Emotional Stories * 48:16 The Heat Map * 55:31 Grading * 01:01:04 Upcoming Movie Discussion

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