Scene analysis of Ushe's Metamorphosis in Green Frontier (Frontera Verde 2019) created by Diego Ramírez Schrempp, Mauricio Leiva-Cock, and Jenny Ceballos

A Sacred Return to the Amazon's Embrace. 

Green Frontier (2019) Trailer on YouTube (Accessed January 2025)

The final resting place of Ushe. (Netflix screenshot Green Frontier (2019) Episode 7, 18mins 13 seconds)

The heart of the rainforest serving as an iridescent backdrop sets the scene as the natural sun light filtering through the trees creates an emblematic and peaceful atmosphere. The emotional weight of sorrow is palpable in the air, as the characters stand and sit in stillness accompanied with diegetic sounds of the jungle. This setting is visionary as the audience is impacted with a sense of awe at the beauty and power of nature, mirroring the powerful and beautiful farewell to Ushe.

Close up shot of Ushe, awaiting the much awaited transition into the spiritual realm. (Netflix screenshot Green Frontier (2019) Episode 7, 18mins 01sec)

This close up shot of Ushe, surrounded and intertwined in nature with flowers that represent life and death. This shot is a visual representation of the indigenous ecological themes that are woven into the narrative. Ushe is the reflection of the deep rooted spiritual bond that indigenous communites have with nature.

Ushe’s heart (Netflix screenshot Green Frontier (2019) Episode 7, 18mins 16secs)

The extracted heart of Ushe, propped on a table, incased in glass, and elevated with metal tools and tubes is used as a metaphor to simbolize the profound violation inflicted upon indignous communites.

Joseph draining blood for the heart. (Netflix screenshot Green Frontier (2019) Episode 7, 18mins 28 seconds)

This close up of Ushe’s heart, illustrates the exploitation of indigenous identity, highlighting the broader implications of colonial violence. This metaphor serves to provoke critical reflection on the socio-political dynamics and calls for an acknowledgement of social injustice. This perpetuates the colonial dynamics which remain embedded in contemporary society where Indigenous agency is often irrelevant to the dominant narrative.

The moment Joseph attempts to exploit her sacred wisdom. (Netflix screenshot Green Frontier (2019) Episode 7, 19mins 14secs)

Although the series addresses issues of appropriation and exploitation, this is one of many scenes of spiritual mysticism in the series. Unfortunately, this spiritual aesthetic appeals to western narratives and dilutes the urgency of the message which reinforces power structures and perpetuates stereotypes. In contrast, this could be a representation of globalization, which perpetuates greed and the constant need for satisfaction through unorthodox perspectives. In this respect, this aesthetic strategy reinforces indigenous stereotypes which often leads to a disconnect from their rich cultural narratives. Seeking non-western trends emphasizes the need for a critical examination of how they influence public perceptions and contribute to the ongoing marginalization of Indigenous voices in contemporary cinema. 

Birds eye view of the eclipse over the Amazon. (Netflix screenshot Green Frontier (2019) Episode 7, 19mins 33secs)

The eclipse demonstrates contrasting themes of cultural hybridity: light vs. dark, internal vs. external, traditional vs. contemporary, wisdom vs. hypocrisy, preservation vs. exploitation, force vs. resistance, and mortality vs. immortality. As the moon covers the sun contrasting force represents the cosmic imbalance of darkness of disruption.

(Netflix screenshot Green Frontier (2019) Episode 7, 19mins 41secs)

The camera captures a view from beneath the eclipse, where a faint sliver of sunlight symbolizes the dwindling spiritual strength of Ushe. This fleeting light reflects the dark turmoil she faces, as her spiritual essence is being exploited, paralleling the unethical resource extraction occurring in the Amazon basin.

(Netflix screenshot Green Frontier (2019) Episode 7, 19mins 44secs)

The indigenous peoples near Ushe's resting place in the Green Frontier showcase contemporary attire that blends traditional and modern styles, reflecting cultural fusion. This adaptability highlights their resilience to globalization and their commitment to preserving cultural narratives amidst evolving social dynamics and challenges.

Ushe laying in the shadow of the eclipse, as darkness engulfs her body externally and internally. (Netflix screenshot Green Frontier (2019) Episode 7, 20mins 04secs)

The vulnerability of indigenous culture is evident in stillness, yet there is a spiritual battle for agency. Her farewell symbolizes a return to the land, merging with the Amazon's soil rather than being buried. The serene atmosphere of natural sounds and earthy hues evokes a timeless sense of belonging.

Shot of Ushe, winning the battle against modern threats. (Netflix screenshot Green Frontier (2019) Episode 7, 20mins 18secs)

Indigenous communities hold a profound belief in the interconnectedness of all beings, both human and non-human, cultivating a deep reverence for the earth and its resources, which are vital for their cultural survival and balance. This scene illustrates the consequences of Joseph's exploitative actions, his exploitation and destruction, showing that he will forever be locked out from their wisdom without honoring the relationships between humanity and the natural world. 

A close up of Joseph fading into the darkness where he belongs. (Netflix screenshot Green Frontier (2019) Episode 7, 20mins 30secs)

As Joseph slips away from the spiritual realm, coinciding with the eclipse, darkness envelops him, restoring cosmic equilibrium. This moment signifies not only his defeat but also the resilience of the collective indigenous spirit, reclaiming their power and asserting the rightful place of indigenous wisdom.

(Netflix screenshot Green Frontier (2019) Episode 7, 21mins 36secs)

This shot symbolizes immortality, showing how wisdom transcends physical existence. Although one of Mother Earth's children has departed, their legacy of knowledge endures, keeping the culture alive.

In conclusion, Ushe’s transformation transcends Western notions of death, reflecting an indigenous view of cyclical rebirth. Ushe's departure symbolizes the resilience of indigenous peoples; though her physical form fades, her spirit becomes part of the forest, embodying the idea that ancestral wisdom remains a living aspect of the ecosystem.

Bibliography

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