The Legend of Tarzan

Representation / casting choices

Samuel L. Jackson portrays real historical Black figure George Washington Williams in a role that fits the story and history with no mismatch or signaling; Tarzan and Jane casting follows source material exactly with no forced diversity or audience-visible identity emphasis.

Political / ideological dialogue

Recurring dialogue and scenes directly condemn Belgian colonial enslavement, diamond theft, and genocide in the Congo; director statements tie these to contemporary environmental and anti-oppression values, making the political layer clearly noticeable.

Identity-driven story themes

Core story is Tarzan as heroic white ally aiding African tribes against foreign oppressors plus jungle harmony themes; presented as historical adventure rather than modern identity-group advocacy, representation focus, or group-based grievance.

Institutional / cultural critique

Strong, on-screen critique of Belgian state institutions as exploitative and genocidal; framed historically with noted present-day relevance but without reframing into current systemic critiques of whiteness, patriarchy, or Western capitalism.