Small Axe

Small Axe is an extraordinary historical anthology television series that debuted in 2020. It was developed by Amazon Studios and aired on BBC One in the UK and Amazon Prime Video in the US. Its creation is attributable to the brilliant mind of Academy Award-winning filmmaker, Steve McQueen. The director, known for his work such as "12 Years A Slave," provides an eye-opening and unfiltered look at Black experiences in Britain through a series of five distinct stories, packed into the runtime of roughly an hour to two hours each. Each plotline brilliantly encapsulates the resilience of the Black community, their rich culture, identity, racial discrimination, and the struggle for justice.

The title Small Axe comes from an African proverb, “If you are the big tree, we are the small axe,” as popularized by Bob Marley's song. The 'small axe' represents marginalized individuals who take a stand against the ingrained social, cultural, and systemic injustices that prevail. The series does not adhere to the conventional requirements of uniform characters or plot threads that weave through each installment, but it achieves cohesiveness by painting a vivid thematic portrayal of West Indian immigrants' experiences in London from the 1960s to the 1980s.

The series begins with the story of the Mangrove restaurant, a venue that served as a vibrant community hub during the late 60s and early 70s, facing unfair targeted harassment from the police. This heartfelt story portrays the Mangrove Nine's historic courtroom fight to expose and challenge systemic racism. The series then moves to the disco boogie nights of 'Lovers Rock,' showcasing a story of love and connection set against a background of racial tension in 1980's London.

Another compelling story that Small Axe unveils is of a pioneering British Black policeman in 'Red, White, and Blue.' Here, the audience witnesses a personal journey of a young forensic scientist who left his comfortable job to join the police force, aiming to challenge the racially discriminatory practices prevailing in the police system from within.

One episode titled 'Alex Wheatle' narrates the story of an award-winning writer who navigates his way out of a disadvantaged beginning, whereas 'Education' depicts the systemic failings in the school system and shines a light on grassroots organizations that worked to demand fair treatment for their children.

Small Axe is renowned for its authentic production, spectacular cinematography, and rigorous attention to detail. The series brilliantly showcases the vibrant culture of the Caribbean diaspora, be it through calypso and reggae music, smoothly integrated into the narrative, or the appealing West Indian culinary scenes.

What sets Small Axe apart is its phenomenal cast, playing roles that are complex, transformative, and real. Besides McQueen's vivid direction, the acting performances, notably from John Boyega, Letitia Wright, and newcomer Sheyi Cole, among others, have garnered the series critical acclaim and numerous nominations and awards. Their portrayal of characters not only consolidates the narrative arcs but also offers an intimate exploration into the struggles and victories of their experiences.

Moreover, Small Axe has precisely balanced the fine lines between theatrical feature and episodic storytelling. With its running time slot of up to two hours per episode, it acts as a chain of five movies more than a conventional TV show. Besides, the series is steeped in meticulously researched historicity, interwoven with dramatic narration, bringing forth the lesser-known chapters of British history.

From a wider perspective, Small Axe holds a mirror to the society, reminding viewers of the many battles fought for the principles of equality, justice, and acceptance. It transcends the storytelling norms, compelling us to reflect on history and how it shapes our present and future. The series is a testament to resistance - resistance against racial prejudice, against social injustices, and above all, resistance in the face of sweeping institutional racism.

In conclusion, Small Axe is not just a historical drama. It's a series of personal stories, each echoing voices of resilience and resistance against rampant racial discrimination, depicting a heart-wrenching analysis of Black British identity along with protests, court battles, and the community's unity. Despite the grim realities it portrays, the show also celebrates the Caribbean culture, infusing melodies, dance, and food into the stories, thereby painting a rich and expansive portrait of the experiences of West Indian immigrants in Britain. With a plot that resonates strongly with current times, Small Axe successfully breaks the ceiling for culturally diverse storytelling.