Drawn to clever scripts and challenging characters, Taiwanese Irish actress An-Li Bogan landed her first feature film role in writer, director and producer Kobi Libii’s satirical comedy “The American Society of Magical Negroes.”
The film, distributed by Focus Features and Universal Pictures, delves into the problematic nature of the “Magical Negro” trope in American cinema of the 2oth century. This trope, first coined by filmmaker Spike Lee, depicts Black supporting characters whose sole purpose is to serve the storylines of white protagonists. Libii explores the symbolism of this trope and questions the societal values that prioritize white comfort over the autonomy and worth of Black lives. He brings to life a world where being a Magical Negro is an actual job, using humor as a tool to engage audiences in difficult conversations.
“The American Society of Magical Negroes” follows a young man named Aren (Justice Smith), who is recruited into a secret society of magical Black people dedicating their lives to making white people more comfortable. His first assignment is to help Jason (Drew Tarver), an entitled, misogynistic artist at a global tech company.
Initially fascinated by his newfound abilities, Aren begins to question the morality of using supernatural powers to fulfill the lifelong expectation of catering to white individuals. His perspective shifts when he falls in love with Lizzie (Bogan) — Jason’s workmate and crush — prompting him to reassess his priorities and beliefs. If he pursues Lizzie and lets Jason fail, he endangers the secret society’s magic powers.
The film has since garnered mixed reviews due to its social commentary, an element that drew Bogan to Lizzie, whom the movie describes as “racially ambiguous.” According to Libii, the casting of Bogan and Smith — two lighter-skinned people of color — as leads allows for a unique commentary on race in America. He argues that featuring…
Read the full article here
Have a news tip for The Proud Asian? Submit your news tip or article here.
