OPINION:
“The Odyssey” movie — already dubbed “Oddity” by the internet — has triggered a full anti-woke thunderstorm, mostly from people who have seen exactly one trailer and read 900 opinions.
Black actress Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy is considered a departure from the usual blonde, fair-skinned Greek supermodel tradition.
Wanting more Greek actors? Fair. Acting as if Troy has fallen again because of casting? Maybe you should hydrate.
Ironically, the allegedly “woke” casting is somewhat anti-woke and anti-diversity, equity and inclusion because it excludes Greeks from the Helen of Troy role (and most of the other main roles).
If Helen were played by a gorgeous Asian actress, would I complain? I would probably secretly love it (just don’t tell my wife).
Tiny, transgender Elliot Page as the supposedly mighty Achilles has also become meme fuel because Achilles is usually imagined as a giant warrior and, thanks to Brad Pitt, a man whose abs needed their own trailer.
I am not into forced wokeness either, but that is a subjective judgment. Still, producer Christopher Nolan usually delivers, and I am embarrassingly easy to lure into theaters with well-done action and violence.
Also, it is a fictional movie based on an ancient poem based on Greek mythology. Demanding strict historical accuracy from myths is like asking Zeus for a notarized affidavit.
So, criticize it or skip it. Just maybe watch the movie before declaring Troy destroyed again — this time, based on the trailer reaction.
Free speech works best when it stays sharp without getting cruel — especially near the birthday of the country that supposedly celebrates differences.
LEIGHTON LOO
Mililani, Hawaii
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