The Legend of the Underground
By Brian Costello,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Powerful docu about discrimination in Nigeria; violence.
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The Legend of the Underground
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What's the Story?
THE LEGEND OF THE UNDERGROUND takes a look at people who don't conform to traditional gender and sex roles in Nigeria, a country where homosexuality is a crime punishable by harsh prison sentences. We meet activists and exiles like Mikael Ighodaro, who fled Nigeria to live in freedom in the United States while also working to bring international attention to what's happening in Nigeria. We also meet those who have chosen to remain in Nigeria, like "World Famous" James Brown, a flamboyant dancer who becomes a viral sensation on the internet after telling the media "they didn't caught [sic] me" during a mass arrest of those believed to be committing homosexual acts at a party. He uses his internet fame to own and celebrate his identity, despite facing intense cyberbullying and hatred from citizens on the street. The movie makes the distinction that only those who are caught in the middle of homosexual acts face prison time, and that dressing in ways that run counter to conservative notions of gender isn't illegal, but these people still face intense bullying from those around them, and rejection from family members. In spite of the pain and suffering, the documentary shows the value of community to effect change for the better, and how important it is to be who you are, no matter what.
Is It Any Good?
This is a gut-wrenching, powerful, and inspiring documentary on being true to oneself despite persecution from others. The Legend of the Underground is a documentary that looks at people who don't conform to traditional gender and sex roles in Nigeria, a country where homosexuality is a crime punishable by fourteen years in prison. In fact, the documentary shows what happens when men accused of homosexuality are arrested and await trial, and how that alone can ruin lives, or force them into exile. And yet, in the midst of this conservative country's oppression from the government and churches, and the bullying and cyberbullying of its citizens, what emerges through all of this ugliness is a celebration of individuality and bravery in the face of so much persecution.
It's a documentary that highlights the power of activism to bring change, and how social media can be used as a force for good. The documentary doesn't sugarcoat the difficult choices these men face between living in exile in a faraway country such as the United States or remaining in Nigeria and facing the constant threat of arrest. It also shows the power of community -- locally and globally -- to turn the tide against the forces of hatred, and how the idea of family can take on a whole new meaning when one's biological family has chosen to reject one of its own because of who they are. Despite the painful loss and difficulties shown in the documentary, there's an understated optimism that runs throughout the course of it, as well as a technicolor celebration of individuality, no matter the cost.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about documentaries like The Legend of the Underground. How does this compare to other documentaries you've seen?
How does the documentary convey information about Nigeria and the stories of those being interviewed? What did you learn, and where could you go to learn more?
What are some of the positive messages of this documentary? Who are the positive role models? What character strengths do they have?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: June 29, 2021
- Cast: Denrele Edun, World Famous James Brown
- Director: Giselle Bailey
- Studio: HBO
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Activism, Great Boy Role Models, Great Girl Role Models
- Character Strengths: Courage
- Run time: 86 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: March 3, 2022
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