Guava Island is a must watch.
Starring Donald Glover and Rihanna, the secret film was directed by Hiro Murai, who frequently directs Atlanta. After premiering the hour-long film as the lead-in to Glover’s performance at Coachella, it was made available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
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I felt a childlike sense of wanderlust as the opening credits were filled with tropical music and brightly colored illustrations of the secluded island, Guava. A charming tale narrated by Rihanna makes you wish for a fairytale love like the one she talks about.
“…One night I heard my path. It was the most beautiful song I had ever heard, but I was not going to say that. So instead I yelled, “Keep trying! Practice is perfection! His smile, it was like moonlight. He said it was a shame that I didn’t like the song because it was for me. But, he promised to come back and play every night until he sang a song as beautiful as me. Fortunately, no song is that beautiful so I got to see and hear him every night”
The simplicity of the cinematography is done beautifully. As drums beat heavily, I can almost feel the island breeze sweeping my hair from my face. I can smell the salty water from the sea.
Although the juxtaposition of Childish Gambino songs to the film is brash, the physical incorporation of music within the film brilliantly emphasizes themes throughout. Guava Island is simultaneously an escape from reality and a reminder that people are trying to control our lives and suppress our voices.
“Yeah, but how do you know what’s right for everybody?”
Between the beautiful blue silk of Guava Island’s native worm and the underlying message of speaking up for what you believe in, I couldn’t help but think of Nipsey. Community leaders are willing to sacrifice more than we can even imagine to save the lives of their people. Guava Island serves as a beautiful reminder that we should all protect one another to preserve our world, and our cultures.
The thrilling story takes you on an emotional journey celebrating life, art, and community. A story of romance, dedication, and standing up for what you believe. This is a fable with a modern
