1. Mandingo Fighting
The Movie: One of
Django Unchained's most controversial aspects are its "Mandingo" fights, a brutal and bloody ritual which forces two slaves in a gladiator-like battle to the death - purely for betting and entertainment purposes. Leonardo DiCaprio's plantation owner is particularly enamoured with the practice, and considers himself to be an expert trainer in the field. Both Django and Dr. Schultz gain entry into Candyland whilst masquerading as Mandingo trainers.
The History: Despite Tarantino's insistence that Mandingo fighting was a real past-time, he's obviously been influenced by blaxploitation films
Mandingo and
Drum, both of which depict the practice as a vicious bloodsport enjoyed by plantation owners. Truth is, there's no real evidence to support the fact that Mandingo fighting every took place - slave were extremely expensive and destroying your property in such a fashion was not considered good business ethic.
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