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The Amulet of Ogum

Name: The Amulet of Ogum
Director: Nelson Pereira dos Santos
Released: 1974
Duration: 112 min

Representation Score

6.5/10

Good

1974

Director

Nelson Pereira dos Santos

Runtime

112 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Nelson Pereira dos Santos offers a profound deconstruction of the colonial gaze by centering Afro-Brazilian perspectives. The film replaces Western cinematic structures with a spiritual framework rooted in Candomblé, giving characters of color significant roles. While the film excels in reclaiming racial and cultural identity, it remains limited in exploring specific LGBTQ+ and gendered character arcs. The focus remains on the spiritual journey of the male protagonist. Overall, the film serves as a sophisticated narrative that prioritizes identity-based empowerment and critiques systemic oppression through cultural preservation.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Amulet of Ogum have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not explicitly feature LGBTQ+ characters or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities. However, it avoids traditional clichés by using non-Western storytelling structures.

How does The Amulet of Ogum portray gender?

Fair

The story focuses on a male protagonist but challenges patriarchal norms. The main character derives strength from a maternal, spiritual lineage rather than traditional masculinity.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Amulet of Ogum?

Excellent

This film stands out for its characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity. It centers on Afro-Brazilian identity and African-descended spiritualities, resisting Eurocentric norms and historical whitewashing.

How does The Amulet of Ogum represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The narrative prioritizes Afro-Brazilian religious traditions over Christian morality. It critiques colonial legacies and capitalist violence through a framework of spiritual pluralism and cultural resistance.

Does The Amulet of Ogum include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no significant evidence regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities within the narrative.

Present on Screen

Centers Afro-Brazilian identity and African-descended spiritualities.
Challenges Eurocentric norms by highlighting Candomblé.
Disrupts gender hierarchies by emphasizing maternal spirituality.
Critiques colonial legacies and capitalist violence.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit representation or character arcs for LGBTQ+ identities.
Focuses primarily on the social and spiritual journey of a male protagonist.
Does not depict physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

An ubiquitous folk singer narrates the tale of a young boy, who apparently becomes immune to gunfire after his mother arranges for him to have an amulet bearing Ogum's blessings. As time goes by, he becomes a valuable member of a mobster's hit-team, but ends up joining a group of people who resist his original employers.

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