The delectable Wole Ojo won the fourth AMBO competition and so he gets to star in their latest movie - The Child. Apparently its a Benin based epic starring Joke Silva, Bukky Ajayi, Alex Osifo and as always directed by the fabulous Izu Ojukwu.
The Story:
Directed by Izu Ojukwu, ‘The Child’ revolves around a Benin town’s expectation of a ‘child’ promised the community by the gods. The advent of the child will see to the end of the town’s problems which include drought and recurrent war defeats, especially against the strong army of Ijogun.
Two children, at least as far as we can tell, are born on the said night; one is by the widowed queen Ifueko, played by Joke Silva, whose uncle the Iyase (Alex Usifo) is the regent. Another woman gives birth to a son. The rains return, wars are won and a basket mysteriously retains water after the boys are born. As long as the basket holds water, the community knows their special one is still alive. As both boys grow up, so does the competition between them as both are intent to prove their ‘childship,’ despite the fact that all have accepted the crown prince Nosa (or Omo as his mother calls him) as the special one (Edaeke).
As anybody who reads this blog knows, I am a big fan of Izu Ojukwu - Amstel Malta collaboration. I have previously reviewed the first two movies in the partnership, namely Sitanda and White Waters. For those unfamiliar with the Amstel Malta movie franchise, here is a quick overview - The amstel malta company sponsors a reality show every year to find new talent for the Nigerian movie industry. The winner gets to star in a movie directed by the tremendous Izu Ojukwu. Azizat Sadiq won the first edition and starred in the aforementioned Sitanda, while O.C Ukeje won the second edition and was the star of white Waters. The third edition was won by Bhaira Mcwizu and she is consequently the leading lady in Cindy's Notes. By Nigerian standards, Cindy's Notes is a tremendous movie!
I have been hearing rumors about this movie for a while now, but for some reason, it has never been released. Much as War movies are not my thing, this was supposed to be another ground breaking cinematic achievement by the fabulous Izu Ojukwu, which is why I am featuring it here. The film features the late JT Tom West, who died last year, as the chief of the ECOMOG detachment; Francis Duru as a garrulous ECOMOG soldier; and Hank Anuku as a rebel. Joy Egbunu stars as Laviva. She loses her father to the war and openly demonstrates hostility towards the ECOMOG soldiers, in spite of admonition from her mother and other members of the community who feel it is dangerous to do so.
Laviva is also obsessed with the desire to bring peace to her country and along the line falls in love with the ECOMOG chief, JT Tom West. She is the rallying point for peace and stability among her peers and people at a time when many had lost their nerves to the weariness of war.
Produced by AMAA 2007 Best Director, Izu Ojukwu, the movie showcases the abundant talent in Nollywood, given the richness of its shooting, directing, costumes, editing and coordination. Shot three years ago, Laviva captures the tortuous experiences, intrigues and romance that played itself out when Nigerian troops led ECOMOG to salvage a country torn by civil war. It is a story of how Nigerian soldiers, in the midst of hate and fire, planted peace and hope.
There are very few Nollywood movies out there that would appeal to the male demographic. This looks like something the dudes will enjoy LOL! I hope it lives up the the promise. Oga Izu, abeg, release am o!!
So I came upon this star studded movie by accident. I was researching "Through the glass" and digging through Stephanie Okereke's website, when I came upon the most intriguing poster. I did some digging and found nothing everywhere I looked, so I forgot all about it.
However, it looks like now a trailer and a theme song have been released. Not only that, also sounds like it was recently premiered in Lagos. What I cannot understand is why there isn't any more noise about this movie, considering the caliber of stars involved.
It stars Stephanie Okereke, the scrumptious Ramsey Nouah, Francis Duru and also Van Vicker . And it is directed by my fav. Nolly director - Izu Ojukwu!! I am hyping it for the first two stars and the director obviously. I am still yet to get on the Van V. love train!! LOL.
Anyways, here is the trailer:
And the theme song:
While I can't seem to find a summary anywhere, the movie seems to be about orphans and their plight in Naija.
The force behind this Event Prince Tonye Princewill, the Rivers State AC and FOOPP Leader will be in attendance at the Premiere aimed at creating awareness of the plight of orphans in Nigeria.
The movie, according to the Rivers State born Producer, Adonijah Owiriwa is inspired by the plight of orphans in Africa hence the Orphan Child Awareness Campaign spearheaded by the Prince of Niger Delta Politics, Prince Tonye Princewill.
By his involvement in this project Prince Tonye Princewill intends to use his veritable network of contacts to throw light on the unfortunate plight of orphans with the hope of assuaging their suffering.
Sounds like good stuff. While I am not particularly crazy about the theme song, the trailer looks really good. I hope that we can get to see it soon. Will review it when I get my hands on it.
Story: Emma Ayaluogu, Richard Mofe Damijo, Fidelis Akpan
Producer: AMBO
Director: Izu Ojukwu.
Year: 2006
Country: Nigeria
Genre: Epic drama
Language: English
Preamble: This is the first of the Amstel Malta Box Office (AMBO) movies. The AMBO competition, as I understand it, is like the American idol of movies in Nigeria. The winner, in addition to winning some cash and other prizes, also wins a starring role in a movie directed by Izu Ojukwu and funded by the makers of Amstel Malta. I love this AMBO/Izu collaboration and I hope it continues for many years. Izu’s movies always deal with a pertinent social issue, but in a very entertaining manner, and this one is no exception. Sitanda deals with the OSU/caste system in Igboland, providing some kind of explanation for how people began to be tagged with that appellation. The movie won a whole bunch of awards at the 2007 African movie awards (AMAA), including best director, best screenplay, and best picture.
Trailer:
Summary: The movie begins in modern times with Amanzee (Bimbo Manuel) leaving his wife Ann (Stephanie O.) in the car on a rainy day, utilizing the only umbrella and leaving her to get soaked. It is clear that all is not well with the marriage . We then discover that Amanzee blames Ann for all the misfortunes that have befallen him since they got married, because she is an outcast and her family is cursed. Finding it hard to deal with her abusive husband, she runs home to her father with whom she also has deep issues. After a rocky start, she and her father make up, and he tells her a little bit of her history and how the whole outcast thing came about – enter the story of Sitanda, one of her ancestors. Kidnapped as a child and made a slave, Sitanda (Ali Nuhu)’s story is a tale of love, fear, betrayal, lust, desire, abuse of power, etc. As the movie unfolds, we see both stories – the evolution of Amanzee and Ann’s marriage, and Sitanda’s story unfolding side by side. At the end, you have to put the entire jigsaw puzzle together.
REVIEW: Positives:
The puzzle comes together eventually - kinda.
First the actors: Stephanie , Justus and Bimbo and Ireti Doyle were just spectacular in their roles. Ireti looked so commanding, so very royal as the princess with her beautiful shaved head.
The scenery was just beautiful. Izu’s movies always show the very best of the Nigerian landscape.
I loved the cultural elements as displayed in the movie – the dance sequences were pretty creative. Very nicely done. While someone complained that the costuming was not exactly reminiscent of the period (the fabrics were not authentic) it still looked pretty good to me. And the soundtrack , there was a scene where it built up slowly and reached this beautiful crescendo. Ahhh! Lovely!!And technically the movie was wow!! Very nice, in picture quality, costuming and music.
Some particulars that I loved: That shot of Azizat (who played Sermu, Sitanda’s love interest) walking towards Ali towards the end - gorgeous shot. Beautiful!!
And the ending. What a beautiful scene. Another director would have made Bimbo Manuel talk plenty, but instead, we had just one beautiful, symbolic scene that ties it all back to the very first scene. Just lovely!!
Negatives:
The two stars of the epic part of the movie were not as strong as those for the modern half, I am afraid. Ali Nuhu and Azizat Sadiq showed their inexperience. Much as he did his best, I was not convinced that Ali Nuhu was the best actor to play Sitanda. Especially since the princess (the magnificent Ireti Doyle) was supposed to be all over him. It was like a lioness chasing after a mouse – no contest at all. Sitanda needed to be strong, tall, imposing, hawt, sexy, and all round manly to evoke such passion from the princess. As it was, I was just like “ I don’t get it at all! What does she see in him?” Also, while the movie was supposed to be a showcase for Azizat, (As AMBO winner), she did not really feature that much.
Many of the supporting acts in the historical parts of the movie were really bad too. The Queen mother was very unconvincing, as were the servant girls that had speaking parts.And while there were very many beautiful scenes in this movie, there was one really bad scene : the fighting with horses’ scene. It was pretty ambitious, and pretty unconvincing!
It is so unfortunate that the acting, particularly from the two main characters did not match up to the amazing packaging on this movie. So sad.
In addition to all that, the major problem for me was the disconnect between the modern half of the story and the epic part. Why did the story have that effect on Ann? It just seemed that in trying to cram both parts of the story into the movie, the filmmakers ended up not really fully developing either part. I think both could have been fleshed out a little more. Amanzee’s metamorphosis seemed kind of miraculous. It was nice, but there was no convincing reason for it.
Bottomline:
I still recommend this movie. It is great to watch Izu’s development as a filmmaker. This is not my favorite movie by Izu, but its still better than the average “don’t marry that boy story”. In addition, the scenery is breathtaking, the costuming is on point, not a bad shot in the whole movie. Musical score is great too. And despite all the flaws, by the end, you are very emotionally invested in it. I know I was. I just grabs you by the heart. Nice job!
Themes and worldviews: I am not sure what the lesson is here: You have to understand your past to properly chart your future? And while it did not fully deal with the Osu issue as it promised at the beginning, it does provide some insight into the ridiculousness of labeling without context.. It also shows the importance of communication – between husband and wife, between parent and child.
Rating: 7/10
Availability: Unfortunately, I get the impression that AMBO does not really care about making money from their movies, because they don’t seem to do any hard work with marketing and distribution. They seem to use the movies just for brand recognition, which is pretty sad because they make great movies. I have no idea where to find this one o. Sorry.
Producers: Remi Ibinola and Memry Savannu Ayotunde
Director: Izu Ojukwu
Year of production: 2008
Country: Nigeria
Genre: Drama/Romance
Language: English
Trailer: Could not find one. If anyone knows where I can find a trailer online, please let me know and I will update the post. Summary/synopsis: Rita Dominic is Preye, while Mercy Johnson plays her best friend (Mosun). Right from the onset, it is clear that Preye has many issues – she is extremely promiscuous, and we soon learn that she is acting out due to sexual abuse she suffered as a child. Akin (played by Yemi Blaq) is her long suffering boyfriend. While Mosun appears to be extremely responsible, hardworking, and faithful to her friend, she is wrestling with demons too. She was also abused as a child, and in contrast to her friend, is turned off men. Kalu Ikeagwu plays an advert executive (Ike). Preye runs into him while she is hawking a show she wants to put on the air and they promptly hook up. It all gets very complicated and very emotional very fast.
REVIEW Positives: I love Izu Ojukwu. He is officially one of my favorite Nollywood directors. What a movie. WHAT A MOVIE!! This movie is sexy, complex, deep, accessible, nuanced. It is not simplistic, its not linear, but its very logical. Gets you right in the gut! The main cast outdid themselves on this one. I have always loved all the four of the main actors, but this is by far the best work for all of them. Fantastic acting. Tremendous! Rita, as Preye was just sterling. She was promiscuous and vulnerable all at the same time. And Mercy Johnsohn, what an actress. This role has finally begun to live up to her talent. She was tremendous as the frigid, yet loyal friend. Kalu was sexy as always, and Yemi Blaq – his character was so complicated, so conflicted, so human, so frail - just beautiful to watch!
The flashbacks were so beautiful, dripping with meaning, even if much was not said. The girls who played the young Preye and Mosun were very good actresses. And even if the dressing did not fit the period, it was shot in such a way that it looked and felt like the distant past. You were afraid with them as they faced their molesters. You felt their pain. Most of the supporting cast was excellent as well. I just loved it. And it was totally unpredictable. Totally. Some things happened and I was like - what? Really? Wow! What is gonna happen next?
One more thing though: There is a slowness and deliberateness about Izu's movies that may not play well with many Naija movie lovers. I think many people watch the movie for the drama, the confrontation, the theatrical nature of our productions. This is more restrained. It’s a whole different feel, but I was loving it all the way. It’s funny that I have just watched a mini soap by Izu Ojukwu, and I feel like I have watched something really deep and important. You can feel the intelligence in the crafting of this one.
Negatives: There were some problems with the sound editing, at least in my copy, but it did not ruin it. The weak link among the actors was Kalu's fiancé in the movie. She was trying too hard to be the high society girlfriend and it did not flow naturally.
The major flaw, I think, is that they wimped out at the end. The ending was too anticlimactic, too easy. I was actually disappointed by it. I wanted a little more meat and bones on that ending. You don't build that kind of suspense and then end it like that now! Ah!!
And then there were too many questions unanswered - and a few subplots that were not followed through. Of all of them though, the one that bothered me the most was that the core issue of sexual abuse was never really dealt with. I don't want to reveal the story, but there was no real confrontation or resolution there. That could have been fleshed out a little more. Or perhaps another movie? I cannot think of too many Nigerian movies that left me wanting more, but this one did. Also it’s not a movie for kids. There is a lot of bed hopping – premarital, extra marital, casual sex, one night stands. However, the whole idea is not to glorify any of those things – at least not deliberately. The movie shows that difficult situations ensue when human beings indulge in complicated sexual activities. Lessons/worldview/philosophy: This movie brings some very complicated issues to light – the limits of friendship, marital fidelity, the role of family in crisis, etc. The most important issue raised though, is the complex nature of child abuse and its consequences. Anybody conversant with abuse will tell you that the effects go way beyond the immediate act itself. If care is not taken, a child abuser can take not just the child’s present, but their future as well. We don’t like to talk about these things in our society. We like to pretend that they don’t happen. We ignore the broken people in our midst and pretend that their pain does not exist. Well you know what happens with broken people? They tend to cut – and it hurts.
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