Small Axe is a critically acclaimed anthology series directed by the renowned filmmaker Steve McQueen. The series consists of five individual films, each depicting a different story set within London’s West Indian community between the 1960s and 1980s.
Small Axe explores the experiences, struggles, and triumphs of black British people during this period, shedding light on their cultural heritage and the challenges they faced in a society marked by systemic racism and discrimination.
The series received widespread praise for its powerful storytelling, compelling performances, and its dedication to historical accuracy. It presents a nuanced and authentic portrayal of the West Indian community, covering topics such as racial inequality, police brutality, and the fight for civil rights.
Each film in the Small Axe series stands on its own as a separate story, but they are interconnected thematically, creating a rich and cohesive narrative. Together, they provide a comprehensive and poignant exploration of the black British experience, showcasing the resilience and strength of a community that has often been marginalized and overlooked.
Understanding Small Axe
Small Axe is a television anthology series created and directed by Steve McQueen. It is a collection of films that explore the experiences of Black people in London between the 1960s and the 1980s. Each film in the series stands on its own and tells a unique story, but they are all connected through the themes of racial discrimination, social injustice, and the fight for equality.
The Series
The Small Axe series consists of five films, each with its own storyline and cast of characters. The films are:
| Film | Year |
|---|---|
| Mangrove | 2020 |
| Lovers Rock | 2020 |
| Red, White and Blue | 2020 |
| Alex Wheatle | 2020 |
| Educated | 2020 |
Themes and Impact
Small Axe tackles important themes such as racial prejudice, police brutality, cultural identity, and community resilience. It sheds light on the struggles faced by the Black community in London during a time of widespread discrimination and inequality. The series has received critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling, compelling performances, and meticulous attention to detail. Its impact has been felt in both the entertainment industry and society as a whole, sparking conversations and raising awareness about the historical experiences of Black people in Britain.
What is the series about?
Small Axe is a highly acclaimed anthology series created by Steve McQueen. It consists of five standalone films that tell different stories about the lives of West Indian immigrants in London from the 1960s to the 1980s.
Mangrove
The first film in the Small Axe series, Mangrove, focuses on the true story of the Mangrove Nine, a group of Black activists who were falsely charged with inciting a riot during a protest in Notting Hill in 1970. The film explores the struggles and resilience of the West Indian community as they fight against racial discrimination and police brutality.
Lovers Rock
Lovers Rock is the second film in the Small Axe series and is set in the 1980s. It tells the story of a young woman named Martha who attends a house party in London and falls in love with a man named Franklyn. The film beautifully captures the atmosphere of the era and celebrates the joy and freedom found in reggae music and the Black British community.
The Small Axe series delves into important themes such as racism, identity, and community, portraying the experiences of West Indian immigrants with honesty and depth. Each film stands alone, but they are all connected by their exploration of the struggles and triumphs of the Black community in London during a significant time in history.
| Film | Release Year |
|---|---|
| Mangrove | 2020 |
| Lovers Rock | 2020 |
Cast and Crew
The cast and crew of Small Axe includes a talented ensemble of actors, writers, and directors who bring the stories to life on screen. Here are some of the key members:
Cast:
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| John Boyega | Leroy Logan |
| Letitia Wright | Mangrove |
| Sheyi Cole | Alex Wheatle |
| Malachi Kirby | Darcus Howe |
Crew:
The crew behind Small Axe consists of talented individuals who worked tirelessly to bring the series to fruition.
Here are some of the key members:
- Steve McQueen – Director
- Alastair Siddons – Writer
- Shaheen Baig – Casting Director
- Ashley Dickens – Art Director
Together, the cast and crew of Small Axe have created a critically acclaimed series that explores important themes and tells powerful stories from the Caribbean community in London.
Who are the people behind small axe?
Small Axe is a series created and directed by Steve McQueen, a British filmmaker and visual artist. McQueen is known for his critically acclaimed films, such as “12 Years a Slave” and “Hunger,” which have earned him numerous awards and recognition in the film industry.
McQueen collaborates with a talented team of writers, producers, and actors to bring the stories of Small Axe to life. Some of the key individuals involved in the series include:
- Alastair Siddons: As the series’ writer, Siddons has contributed to the development and writing of the captivating narratives in Small Axe. He has previously worked on films like “Tomb Raider” and “Inside Out.”
- Lisa Dwyer Hogg: An actress known for her roles in various television shows and films, Hogg has been cast in specific episodes of Small Axe, delivering powerful performances that resonate with audiences.
- Tracey Scoffield: A producer with extensive experience in the entertainment industry, Scoffield has worked on a wide range of projects, including “The Queen” and “The Girl,” bringing her expertise to Small Axe.
- Kenyah Sandy: A talented young actor, Sandy has appeared in the series, showcasing his impressive acting skills as he brings his characters to life on screen.
These individuals, along with many others, contribute their unique talents and perspectives to the creation of Small Axe, ensuring the series is a compelling and thought-provoking experience for viewers.
Critical reception
The series “Small Axe” has received critical acclaim since its release. It has been praised for its exceptional storytelling, powerful performances, and historical accuracy.
Many critics have commended the series for shedding light on important and often overlooked aspects of Black British history. The attention to detail and authenticity in recreating the time period has also been praised.
The performances of the cast have been widely applauded. Actors such as John Boyega, Letitia Wright, and Shaun Parkes have been singled out for their compelling and nuanced portrayals. The chemistry among the cast members has been praised for adding depth and emotional resonance to the stories.
The writing and direction of “Small Axe” have been hailed as masterful. The series has been lauded for its ability to tackle complex themes with sensitivity and intelligence. The episodes have been described as both thought-provoking and deeply moving.
Overall, “Small Axe” has been celebrated for its bold storytelling and its contribution to shining a light on important aspects of Black history. It has been deemed a significant achievement in television and has garnered widespread critical acclaim.
What do the critics say about Small Axe?
Small Axe, a series created and directed by Steve McQueen, has received critical acclaim since its release. The show, consisting of five standalone films, explores the experiences of Black British individuals in London from the 1960s to the 1980s. Here is what the critics have to say:
Intimate and Powerful Storytelling
The series has been praised for its intimate and powerful storytelling. Critics have highlighted the way Small Axe delves deep into the personal lives and struggles of its characters, providing a nuanced and human portrayal of the Black community in Britain. The attention to detail and the emotional depth of the narratives have been lauded as one of the show’s strongest aspects.
Historical Significance and Education
Critics have also commended Small Axe for its historical significance and educational value. The series sheds light on often overlooked events and experiences of Black individuals in Britain, offering a new perspective on British history. The meticulous research and attention to detail in recreating the time periods have been praised, making Small Axe not only entertaining but also informative.
According to The Guardian, Small Axe is “a landmark achievement and an essential education”.
Furthermore, critics have highlighted the show’s ability to spark important conversations about racism, discrimination, and systemic issues that continue to persist today. Its relevance and timeliness have resonated with both critics and audiences alike.
Writing for The Independent, one critic described Small Axe as “a necessary and eye-opening series that demands recognition and discussion”.
In conclusion, Small Axe has received high praise from critics for its intimate storytelling, historical significance, and ability to spark important conversations. The series has been recognized for its outstanding performances, accurate portrayal of historical events, and its power to educate and shed light on underrepresented stories in British history.
Awards and nominations
Since its premiere, the series “Small Axe” has received critical acclaim and has garnered numerous awards and nominations. The following is a list of the major accolades the series has received:
| Year | Award | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Golden Globe Awards | Best Television Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television | Nominated |
| 2021 | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Television Movie | Nominated |
| Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie (John Boyega) | Nominated | ||
| 2021 | Screen Actors Guild Awards | Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series (John Boyega) | Nominated |
| 2020 | British Academy Television Awards | Best Mini-Series | Won |
| 2020 | British Academy Television Craft Awards | Director: Fiction (Steve McQueen) | Won |
| 2020 | Gotham Independent Film Awards | Breakthrough Series – Long Form | Won |
These awards and nominations showcase the high quality and recognition that “Small Axe” has achieved in the entertainment industry.
Has small axe received any awards or nominations?
Yes, Small Axe has received critical acclaim and has been recognized with several awards and nominations. Here is a list of some of the awards and nominations received by the series:
Awards:
| Award | Year | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Globe Awards | 2021 | Best Television Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television | Won |
| Primetime Emmy Awards | 2021 | Outstanding Television Movie | Nominated |
| Screen Actors Guild Awards | 2021 | Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series | Won |
In addition to these awards, Small Axe has also received nominations and accolades from various film festivals and critics’ associations around the world.
