Connect with us

Reviews

Brotherhood: Nigerian prisons, the postgraduate school of criminality (Review)

Published

on

They have been numerous testimonies of the life behind the walls of Nigerian prisons. Beyond the common understanding of its inhuman state, records have shown that a lot of the inmates somehow find their way back to crime and back there. Findings establish that innocent individuals, from those who had a stint with crime to the downright hardened criminal, often become worse after a Nigerian prison experience. It’s safe to infer that the prison that ought to be a correctional facility has become an instructional facility for the advancement of crime and criminality – a sort of postgraduate school.

Jade Osiberu and Abdul Tijani-Ahmed’s story dubbed in Greoh Studios’ latest release, Brotherhood, captures the reality and eventualities of this failure of the government to put our prisons in shape.

Brotherhood is a crime and action movie produced by Jade Osiberu, and released for screening across Nigerian cinemas on the 23rd of September, 2022. The movie ensemble top Nollywood, Nigerian music, comedy stars, and an array of ex-Bigbrother Naija housemates in what seemed like a BBNaija reunion. The cast includes Toni Tones, Jide Kene Achufusi, OC Ukeje, Mercy Aigbe, Bright ‘Basket Mouth’ Okpocha, Zubby Micheal, Ronke Oshodi Oke, Sam Dede, Deyemi Okanlawon, Comedians Basketmouth and Adebowale ‘Mr Macroni’ Adedayo, musical superstars, Folarin ‘Falz’ Falana and Omawunmi. The BBNaija HM ensemble includes Tobi Bakre, Diane Russet, Seyi Awolowo, Dorathy Bachor and Boma Akpore.

The film was directed by the super talented filmmaker from Uganda, Loukman Ali, who is making his Nigerian directorial debut with Brotherhood movie.
Loukman Ali has a couple of films he has directed inclusive of: The Girl in the Yellow Jumper, The Blind Date and The Bad Mexican.

Advertisement

Summary of the Story

Brotherhood centres on the dichotomous life of twin brothers- Wale (played by Falz) and Akin (played by Tobi Bakre), who were thrown into the ‘trenches’ at a very young age when their parents were killed on New Year’s day. Their parents were making their way home from the traditional crossover service that had been held in church.

As orphans without any extended family support, the two young boys are caught in the menacing world of Lagos streets. Trying to survive meant they had to find whatever means to make ends meet. Soon, time on the streets honed their skills in a plethora of social vices with Akin leading his brother on the dire path of ruthless survival.

Akin would later go to jail for stealing anti-malaria drugs when Wale got very sick. That becomes a pattern in his life as he gets more desperate, trumping society in his fraught search for a life without lack. Wale, on the other hand, charted a different path outside crime and soon joins the police force to achieve his dream of fighting crime, motivated by the circumstances surrounding the death of their parents.

The contradiction in the chosen life paths of the brothers so strains their relationship and brews tension amongst them that they became each other’s nemesis, albeit still very much concerned about each other’s welfare.

Advertisement

Akin for the umpteenth time got out of jail with a sworn resolve never to return, but would somehow get reunited with an old friend (‘Cobra’, played by OC Ukeje) from the early years of petty street crimes. Cobra introduces him to the deadliest robbery gang in town, the Ojuju Boys and with Akin’s intelligent criminal mind, a grand heist plan that he and another inmate acquaintance back in jail had nursed was soon hatched. Wale ironically, gets admitted into an elite police squad that handles the toughest crimes. Soon the brothers, the best at their chosen career paths are made to face each other in a battle of good against evil, yet connected in their hearts by the bond of brotherhood.

Analysis of Plot Elements

Akin is the protagonist of the story, who hoped to beat life to the frailties of lack at all costs. He assumed he could snatch out fortunes from high society without necessarily causing any casualty. Akin’s exposure to the dark world of crime had not taken is pure respect for the sanctity of life out of him. His grand play was to make one big heist and retire to a crimeless life with newfound love. Akin’s purpose was to hit up, clean up, and move up the ladder without the recompense for his actions.

Akin’s twin, Wale, is the antagonist of the story, whose sole purpose was to ensure criminals get the consequences of their actions in the hand of the law. Though Wale has built a strong character for achieving his dreams in the build-up to the climax of the story, his hitherto stealth history with his criminal twin-brother becomes a wound when he finds love in the arms of the daughter of the elite squad’s ‘supercop’ leader.

The plot easily introduces the protagonist and the antagonist in the first few minutes into the film, setting up a strong personality distinction that can be followed throughout the film. As Akin’s purpose attracted all its propellers, Wale’s too got a graceful build-up. The progress of the brothers in their divergent paths formed the rising actions, each character acquiring formal and romantic relationships along the way to a head-on collision.

Advertisement

The story hits a crescendo when Akin’s gang wanted to double down on their earlier success of jerking a bullion van with a double, same-day robbery of two more bullion vans. This time on low intel, which Akin questioned and used as an alibi to ditch the gang and their plan. Akin’s soft forwarding toward his new girlfriend and the gang’s only female member brought him back into the disaster-bound plan. Just at this point, Akin had erroneously killed Wale’s father-in-law in self-defence during the first of the planned same-day twin robbery. The SWAT team and now his brother knowing he was part of the robbery that killed his father-in-law, are out for a vengeful and brutal attack when the radio came about the ongoing second robbery attempt.

The story begins to wind down as the various other characters within the gang got killed and the most vicious, Cobra, grassed everyone right at the heart of the deadly robbery and made away with the money, leaving them to their death.

The final moments of the story saw the brothers face each other in a gun duel, albeit Wale sorted to safely disarm Akin, his colleagues couldn’t let him go without a hit. As Akin falls into the lagoon from the top of bridge with bullet injuries, the plot’s closure was left open-ended, until it is revealed that he magically survived, recovered the stolen monies from Cobra, and eloped to live his dream.

Analysis of Creative Elements

Script/Story

Though the story is not entirely unique, the fine details and detour of the script make it worth viewers time and money. When to come to the nuances and how everything connects, it is brilliant storytelling as captured by the scriptwriter and interpreted by the movie’s director, Loukman Ali. For example, how Akin’s plan was conceived from a conversation with a fellow inmate at the prison, got human resources from a vicious gang who had come to rob him only for the leader to be his old friend, the connect with Sanusi (played by Boma), the ex-military arm dealer, all but galvanized the perfect spotlight on the security mess of the nation.

Advertisement

Also, the smart use of dispatch bikes as the courier for monies gotten at the robbery spot and eventual transloading into Eko Meat Van to obfuscate the loot trail sets the story up for an interesting viewers’ journey.

The dialogues too are rich, though on some occasions I failed to take the last leap to hitting the ‘quotable’ threshold. An instance is the scene where Cobra introduces Akin to Shadow (the secret head of the Ojuju Boys gang). Akin while downloading his grand plan to rob bullion vans to Shadow went with a ‘following my gist’ check in street parlance, “Shey you de visualize my plan, boss?”. Shadow replied trying to express skepticism for the too risky venture Akin had painted, “I no de visualize you plan o”. That line too bland for that atmosphere. The dialogue could have been taken a notch higher with a touch on comedy with, “No I no the visualize your plan, na your death I de visualize”.

Casting and Characterization

The casting director played a smart one with the array of stars culled from three showbiz sectors of movie, music, and comedy. Africans are always waiting to see how their favourite BBNaija housemates progress in life. Bringing five hot ones from three years editions is a genius one to command viewership from their broad audience.

Tobi Bakre showed with this project that he has honed his acting skills. The characterization of the protagonist character was not only excellent but very commendable. Roleplaying an action figure takes a little work. He must have had months of preparation, physical fitness training, gun handling, etc., Tobi was at his very best and can be credited for the great output of the movie in terms of characterization. The highlight was when he fell from the top of the bridge into the lagoon. Judging by the technical details that was really an about hundred kilos man plunging down over 200m.

Advertisement

Falz, though delivered on most fronts, was not quite a good fit for the lover boy role. Perhaps the stereotype of him be unserious just ‘colloquialized’ his serious, romantic heart-to-heart conversionations. His kiss with Kamsi (played by Dorathy BBNaija) was so real. Then, he goes to ask for her hand in marriage with a piece of thread spurned around her hand. The magic of that scene would have happened only if Falz wasn’t coming across as unserious.

Bringing back the Isakaba legend, Sam Dede as the head of SWAT is yet another brilliant call of the casting director. Of course, Sam delivered a five-star characterization.

The only obvious fail with the casting is Mr Macroni. He struggled all through to portray the personality of a hardened criminal. His facial expressions were alien to the expected emotions in most scenes. It was too obvious that he was trying too hard to look hard.

OC Ukeje, Ronke Oshodi Oke, Zubby Micheal, Omawunmi also did quite well.

Directing

Advertisement

Loukman Ali once again delivered on this one. The 2021 winner of the Best Short Film at the Uganda Film Festival and nominee for 2021 Best Short Film, at Durban International Film Festival brought out his best in the Directing and Cinematography of this film. Loukman’s input will be the best creative piece in this film. The shots are a beautiful work of art. The use of natural light, professional lights, angles, ambience, and props are excellent transitions are only the sort of things you can expect from a talented director of photography. Some intriguing scenes are the point where Akin is photographed from the ceiling with all the muscle and distortions of a ghetto set, and the next thing is a braless girl holding up a gun to his head. Then the scene where Akin shows up at the loot pick-up point after he fell into the lagoon, all to the shock of Cobra, the traitor. This scene was a perfect reenact of a typical John Wick scene. Scare light in a deserted remote cottage, double barrel gun in a wounded arm, one shot is fired, and Cobra is pummeled out through the door, body squatted on a green lawn in a brisk moonlight night, the camera zooms up to reveal the entire set of deliberate collections of nature and mother scene, a wow sight is delivered!

The costumes were also on point. The scar on Shadow’s face, the smudging of the gang members’ faces and all the nice selection of crazy appearances.

The sound design/music is not bad, could have been better though. For a Nollywood attempt at action, it’s really a job well done. The smashing of tables, kicks, door bursting, gunshots, and night time wizzling, were in sync with the expected emotions the script hoped to play. The best use of sound is the Akin vs Cobra last showdown. Just before the killer shot, Akin goes, “Koni da fun awon to ni e (E no go better for the people wey get you)”, a brief silence, a deafening sound of big gunshot and a perfect action scene sound, that leads the camera out to the ground outside, where Cobra’s corpse laid, and then the pitter-pattering sound of rain, altogether gave this work a perfect ending.

Verdict (4.5 stars)
Story/Script: 4/5
Music/Sound: 4/5
Directing: 4/5
Cinematography: 5/5
Overall production quality: 4/5

 

Advertisement

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Entertainment

Love in Every Word: A Heartwarming Nollywood Rom-Com with Cultural Depth

Published

on

Love in Every Word” is a charming Nigerian romantic comedy directed by Stanley Obi, featuring compelling performances from Bam Bam Olawunmi Adenibuyan and Uzor Arukwe. This review delves into the film’s exploration of love, family complexities, and the vibrant portrayal of Igbo culture in a modern Lagos setting

Movie Title: Love in every word

Director: Stanley Obi

Release Date: 7th March 2025

Casts: Bam Bam Olawunmi Adenibuyan, Uzor Arukwe, Amanda Iriekpen, Thelma Chukwunwen, Susan Jimah, Osereme Inegbenebor, DanielRocky Obiora.

Advertisement

Genre: Romantic Comedy (Rom-Com)

“Chioma, a beautiful and classy working-class woman, finds her romantic relationships affected by a strained connection with her father. However, she encounters a man who attracts her, yet embodies everything she found challenging in her father.”

Also read:Brotherhood: Nigerian prisons, the postgraduate school of criminality (Review)

PLOT

  • Bam Bam Adenibuyan as Chioma: A vibrant, beautiful, and diligent young woman residing in Lagos. She grapples with demanding superiors and the frustration of seemingly financially supporting her romantic partners. Her steadfast friends, Ify and Ivie, are her unwavering support system. Haunted by ‘father issues’, Chioma subconsciously gravitates towards men who are financially dependent, despite her discontent. During a trip back to her hometown for a family wedding, she meets someone different. Even her mother is determined this connection will flourish. However, Chioma must navigate the unique demands this relationship brings.
  • Uzor Arukwe as Chief Obiora: A highly confident and culturally proud, affluent man – a true ‘Odogwu Paranran’ in every sense. Although he reminds Chioma of her father, he remains resolute in his desire to marry her, even if it means travelling to Lagos to claim his ‘Achalugo’ (wife).
  • Thelma Chukwunwen as Chioma’s Mother: She is unwavering in her efforts to persuade her daughter to marry Chief Obiora.
  • Susan Jimah as Chioma’s Boss: An exploitative and unappreciative employer, oblivious to Chioma’s dedication.
  • DanielRocky Obiora: The final disappointing experience Chioma endured with financially reliant men.
  • Osereme Inegbenebor as Ify: Chioma’s lifelong friend and legal counsel. She possesses a deep understanding of Chioma’s pattern in choosing romantic partners.
  • Amanda Iriekpen as Ivie: Chioma’s other loyal friend who provides consistent support.

ANALYSIS

General Performance of the Actors:

Also read:2022 Review (5): Most talked about movies and movies stars of the year

  • Bambam Adenibuyan, with her customary ease, breathed life into the character of a stylish working woman in Lagos navigating a complicated love life. She effectively conveyed the necessary femininity and charm the narrative required.
  • Uzor Arukwe delivered a beautiful portrayal of Igbo culture, embodying a delightful blend of boldness and persistence often associated with Igbo men. His character’s wealth also played a significant role.
  • Thelma Chukwunwen authentically captured maternal concern, embodying the typical traits of an African mother.
  • Susan Jimah convincingly portrayed the behaviour and demeanour of an abusive boss.
  • DanielRocky Obiora, despite limited screen time, effectively embodied the role of an irresponsible boyfriend and man.
  • Osereme Inegbenebor showcased her talent as a promising actress. Her confident and skilled portrayal of a supportive friend who is also a lawyer was spot on.
  • Amanda Iriekpen delivered a simple yet effective performance, maintaining a subtle presence.

Cinematography and Sound Design:

The cinematography was indeed impeccable, authentically showcasing Igbo culture through attire and setting.

Advertisement

The sound design was also excellent, encompassing the soundtrack, dialogue, and ambient sounds. It effectively established a sense of place and atmosphere, enhancing the viewers’ connection with the story.

Costume: It is important to highlight the well-curated traditional attire and the sophisticated corporate wear worn by Chioma, both crucial in defining her character and role.

Budget: Filmed across two primary locations – the opulent house and vehicles representing Obiora’s wealth – the film’s budget was clearly evident in the production value.

Resolution: Chioma and Obiora ultimately confront their true feelings after Chioma takes a courageous step to overcome her anxieties.

A perfect blend of rich culture, comedy, romance, and career dynamics.

Advertisement

Continue Reading

Reviews

Homecoming Review: A Relatable Story with Valuable Life Lessons

Published

on

“The Homecoming” is a compelling Nigerian film blending romance and drama, starring Bimbo Ademoye and Timini Egbuson. This review highlights its relatable themes, strong performances, and valuable life lessons

Movie Title: The Homecoming
Director: Great-Valentine Edochie
Release Date: 24th December 2024
Starring: Bimbo Ademoye, Timini Egbuson, Bisola Aiyeola
Genre: Romance, Drama

Dieko, a driven young woman juggling the demands of work and family, strives to achieve her aspirations while navigating various life challenges.

Also read: Adire Review: There are loose ends…

PLOT

Dieko (played by Bimbo Ademoye): In this film, she embodies an orphaned character who works tirelessly to become an accountant while caring for her visually impaired grandfather. She serves as the protagonist of the story.

Advertisement

Uduak (played by Bisola Aiyeola): The stern CEO of Eazzy Group, a fashion enterprise. She functions as both an antagonist and a catalyst for Dieko’s personal development.

Luther (played by Timini Egbuson): He introduces emotional equilibrium to this romantic narrative, developing a profound and initially unconscious connection with Dieko.

ANALYSIS

General Performance of the Actors:

Bimbo Ademoye truly embodies her character as a determined young woman striving to make ends meet. She effectively portrays both her desperation and her resilience as a diligent worker.

Advertisement

Bisola Aiyeola, in her role as the ‘strict boss’, also delivered a compelling performance. She accurately depicted the characteristics of an unapproachable and unsympathetic superior.

Timini Egbuson, known for his ‘lover boy’ roles, was once again convincing in this film. His portrayal of Luther provided a sense of ease for Dieko in her professional relationship with his sister, Uduak.

Cinematography and Sound Design:

The lighting and camera angles were impeccably executed. The overall sound experience was also excellent, featuring appropriate music for specific scenes from talented songwriters Progress and Chidii.

Costume Design: The costumes were thoughtfully and meticulously selected. A significant and noteworthy transition is seen in Dieko’s attire, evolving from that of a ‘struggling job seeker’ to that of a personal assistant to Uduak, the CEO of Eazzy Group. Each stage of her journey was accurately represented through her clothing. Uduak, as a high-profile fashion figure, also maintained consistently stylish looks throughout the movie.

Advertisement

Budget: This was clearly not a low-budget production, evident in the expenditure on costumes, travel, and the engagement of renowned actors. A considerable amount of investment was dedicated to the making of this film.

Also read: Reviews from Jagun Jagun [Movie Review]

Resolution: Dieko ultimately achieves her independence and decides to build the life she desires, free from her demanding boss, Uduak. Her connection with Luther deepens, nurturing the spark between them.

A highly recommended watch! This film offers a compelling blend of drama and romance, with relatable scenarios and valuable life lessons to take away.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Reviews

Adire Review: There are loose ends…

Published

on

Tunde is a psychopath, who is unconsciously infatuated with the town preacher’s wife…

Sade is the holier-than-thou mummy GO’s style. Yet the most intelligent of them all…

Did you know that a storey building was burnt down for the sake of a movie about a prostitute?

If you think I’m lying? Then watch the movie here.

Advertisement

Continue Reading

Trending

%d