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The Island
Movie

The Island

2023 • Action, Thriller

Woke Score
1
out of 10

Plot

When his brother is killed, LAPD officer Mark leaves the city to return to the island he grew up on. Seeking answers and vengeance, he soon finds himself in a bloody battle with the corrupt tycoon who's taken over the island parad...

Overall Series Review

The movie is a direct action-thriller about an LAPD officer returning to his Caribbean home island to seek vengeance for his brother’s murder. He enters a brutal conflict against a corrupt tycoon and cartel boss who has seized control of the island paradise. The core of the story is the hero's personal mission for justice, which expands into a defense of his home community. The narrative does not stray from the classic revenge formula, focusing on martial arts action and fisticuffs. The protagonist and his ex-wife, a martial arts master herself, work together to protect their family and neighbors. The film culminates in the entire island community uniting to fight against the external criminal forces, emphasizing local values and a universal moral code of justice over corruption.

Categorical Breakdown

Identity Politics2/10

The primary conflict is not driven by race or identity, but by a moral battle between a just cop and a corrupt, greedy tycoon who is an outsider. The protagonist, a Black LAPD officer, is defined by his skill and moral pursuit of justice. The villain is condemned for his criminal actions and exploitation of the islanders. Characters are judged by the content of their soul and actions.

Oikophobia1/10

The film's entire premise is the defense and preservation of the protagonist's home and heritage. The climax features the local community embracing their shared values to rise up and defend their island from the external corporate/cartel threat. Community institutions are portrayed as a positive force for unity and strength against chaos.

Feminism2/10

The male lead is a strong, protective figure, and the female lead is a highly competent martial artist. The narrative focuses on their complementary relationship as they heal a past trauma and fight together to save their community. Masculinity is protective, and the primary dynamic is traditional and supportive, with no emasculation of the hero.

LGBTQ+1/10

The plot is focused on a revenge and action narrative with a romantic subplot centered on the male and female leads reuniting. Sexual ideology is entirely absent from the story, and the nuclear family/traditional male-female pairing is the normative structure presented.

Anti-Theism1/10

The island community's ultimate rallying point is a speech given in a church, portraying the religious institution as a positive source of moral strength and community cohesion. The film champions objective moral truths like justice and righteousness against secular, criminal greed.