Donald Glover's rhythmically-inclined alter-ego, Childish Gambino, is an inspirational talent. A rare find that cements the credibility of the current generation's ability to produce harmonious tunes with a political trajectory. His "Awaken, My Love!" studio album infused psychedelic funk with soul and hip-hop, while his latest singles "This Is America" and "Summertime Magic" provide insight into his meticulous thought process. He is an artist through and through. So it comes to much astonishment that Guava Island, a miniature film that was clearly targeted at fans of his discography, was unable to find its footing amidst the soothing tropical breeze. A local musician/celebrity attempts to hold a music festival for the oppressed town of Guava Island, albeit ignoring the threatened warnings from the local dictatorial business magnate.
It commenced with an animated folk tale, narrated by the stunningly beautiful Rihanna ("Te Amo"!),describing the origins and current state of Guava Island. Considering the runtime, totalling just under an hour, this method of expressionistic exposition was required to construct the foundations of the basic narrative. Delightful, if somewhat mundane. Murai, in his directorial debut, then proceeds to the live-action bulk with a stylised 4:3 ratio filter equipped with grainy visuals for authenticity. Considering the economic and structural climate of Guava Island, it was immersive and enhanced the world Rihanna lovingly described to us.
Glover goes about his day, carrying his wooden guitar, singing and reinterpreting his latest singles. The infamously abnormal dance moves proceeded with "This Is America" in the middle of a factory. Then it hit me. Guava Island is essentially a "musical" to coincide and/or boost the promotional material of Gambino's songs. Disagree? Well, he then proceeds to serenade Rihanna with "Summertime Magic" before winning my heart over with "Feels Like Summer".
A fundamental question then dawned on me. Can the artistic integrity of music be translated effectively to a narrative feature? Perhaps, but Guava Island is not a good example of that. The musical spirit of the island's residents being suppressed by a totalitarian state is nothing new and, unfortunately, conveyed obviously. The relationship between capitalism and the affected individuals of its grotesque aftermath failed to empower. This is due to Glover's self-indulgence blurring the clarity of the story. Rihanna's Kofi and her relationship with Deni is almost non-existent, despite the 'Romeo & Juliet' introduction. These characters are so focussed on portraying eccentricity, that the dynamics between them fell flat. Glover's frequent collaborator and older brother was unable to balance all aspects in such a condensed time constraint within his screenplay. It's so "to the point" that it loses that flavoursome flair that makes Gambino the artist he is.
That's not to say the music isn't catchy and Uzowuru's rhythmic score won't make you sway, as the musical aspect will have the biggest effect. The acting is serviceable, even if Glover can't escape his exaggerated TV tendencies, and Sprenger's cinematography is sublime. Unfortunately though, Murai's inability to balance the film and rein in Glover's overpowering talent taints Guava Island to be a drinkable albeit sour beverage.
Guava Island
2019
Action / Comedy / Drama / Music / Musical / Thriller
Guava Island
2019
Action / Comedy / Drama / Music / Musical / Thriller
Plot summary
Small time musician Deni Maroon and his loving girlfriend, Kofi Novia, live on a beautiful but impoverished small tropical island called Guava Island that's controlled by a brutal paramilitary group, Red Cargo. The island's main resource is a beautiful, expensive, blue silk produced by a silkworm unique to the island, but the island's textile industry and export is controlled by the paramilitary group and the islanders are forced to work for them every day of the week - the women at the textile factory, and the men at the shipping docks. One day, Deni, who works part time at the docks and part time as the local radio station's house musician whose passionate music is extremely popular among the islanders, decides to hold a secret concert in the evening to make everyone happy, if only for a day. However, the leader of Red Cargo, who also controls the textile industry and export, warns Deni not to do it or the islanders will be too tired to come to work the day after the concert and he can not allow for the textile industry and shipping to stop, even for a single day. Deni decides not to talk about this with Kofi, who becomes worried that something is wrong. She also learns some wonderful news but decides not to share them with Deni until after the concert. As the evening approaches, Deni is forced to make a fateful decision and either betray who he is and what he believes in or stick to his principles no matter the cost.
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Guava Island musically enraptures its tropical aesthetic through severe self-indulgence.
Many level of this movie
You can say it's a musical, a drama, a horror and political theme. I wonder it will be nominated as mini film in Oscar for this movie but it's indeed it has potential. When someone has power knows people against his will, he takes whatever it takes to get what he wants. It's sad but happened. I love the one very last sentence "we got our day" and "dreams come true".
Outstanding Style and Surprising Musical Narrative
The cinematography is wonderful and watching Donald Glover perform is always a treat. That man can do it all!
This is a staple and a must watch.