I Dig Movies
Exploring the cultural nuances of archaeology and history in film.
How do films shape our understanding of the past? How does the past shape our films?
HOPPING MAD: The Wild History Behind Jiangshi
The Chinese creatures of folklore shine in MR. VAMPIRE…but their origins are even stranger than fiction.
Cannonball Run…And Still Running.
Truth can be stranger than fiction when looking at the real cross-country road race that inspired the films.
ADDAMS FAMILY VALUES (1993)
How the family film puts the flame to pervasive, racist historical myths.
MR. BASEBALL (1992)
An oft-overlooked baseball comedy provides surprising insight into Japanese society.
PREY—Challenging Negative Stereotypes of Indigenous Cultures
Civilization isn’t just a matter of technology as PREY continues Predator’s themes on internal fortitude.
INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM (1984)
Wading through history, racist tropes, and adventure set pieces makes the film a complicated bit of fun.
TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES III And Japan’s Unification
Historical accuracy and profundity can come from the most unlikeliest of places.
Floating Nations Of Rebellions
A look at the rebellious spirit born on the seas whose legends are carried forward by the wind of storytelling.
THE MASK and Chasing Id Through History
The 1994 Jim Carrey hit isn't based on a specific mask, but many artifacts allowed people to hide and reveal one's true self.
THE MUMMY (1999)
Stephen Sommers’ film is a fun adventure romp filled with charm…but also reflective of an antiquated era.
THE KARATE KID PART II
How the sequel navigates the intricacies of Okinawa’s culture in the ‘80s.

