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Prophetess: A confluence of spirituality and criminality with over N140mln tag (Review)

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On April 2, 2021, Anthill Productions and FilmOne’s comedy film, Prophetess, had its world premiere in Nigerian theaters.

Directed by Niyi Akinmolayan, co-written by Niyi and Yusuf Carew and Amaka Chidoka, the movie stars Toyin Abraham, Kehinde Bankole, Deyemi Okanlawon, Kunle Remi, Lateef Adedimeji, and Tina Mba and others. Additionally, Ronke Oshodi-Oke, Muyiwa Ademola, Stan Nze, Uzor Arukwe, and Seyi Awolowo, a participant on the 2019 season of Big Brother Naija, made an appearance.

Here’s a belated but important review of the movie, which grossed over N140million across Nigeria cinemas and garnered a large fan base in 2021. The box office success of Prophetess was sort of a shock to its critics who thought the story and set was too ordinary to generate as much viewership, giving that Nollywood hits hold common traits of showing the pop culture.

Summary

Prophetess tells the story of a prophetess who unwittingly made a series of forecasts that all came true, prompting an entire community to wager on her last prediction about how a relegated side will beat one of the league’s top teams.

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The protagonist of the tale is Ajoke (Toyin Abraham), a prophetess whose capers are caught on camera by Dipo (Kunle Remi) and posted on social media. Salewa (Tina Mba) and Iya Ibeji (Ronke Oshodi-Oke), OAP Dipo, who resides in Lagos and with a huge fan base, to Ajoke for cleansing. The prophetess responds to various inquiries from Dipo with some insights that the audience could take the wrong way. When two of her prophecies come true, people all around Oyo State place a huge, unconventional bet on a neighborhood football game. As a club that was demoted, WonderBoys faced overwhelming odds, and they manage to pull off an unlikely triumph.

Ajoke wakes up to a large group of new parishioners after the news went viral, and Dipo gains another 100,000 Instagram followers as a result. However, as political candidate Amani Olofaina (Seyi Awolowo), who fell for Ajoke’s trick, soon disturbs the quiet in the church, the cause-and-effect run of the plot began. Soon, Labake (played by Kehinde Bankole) enters and engages Ajoke in combat after spotting Ajoke on TV earlier that day. According to the storyline, Ajoke and Labake are sisters, and seven years ago, Ajoke fled with Labake’s money. The money was intended for investments by Labake in her future, which led to their sisterly animosity. However, the reason why they fought was because Labake, who was still carrying around the hurt from the past, couldn’t bear to lose more money to Ajoke as Hakeem, whose relationship to the family is unmentioned, placed a bet with the $300,000 that had been sent to him for their mother’s medical expenses.

Akinmolayan exhibits an entitled attitude prepared to place the blame elsewhere when the word circulated that the first forecasts were only happenstance and that there was a rabid crowd during the same wave. As soon as this problem involved some extremely dangerous characters, including Fogo Bombastic, a well-known street mafia lord who threatens to kill Ajoke and her nephew if her prophesy fails, Ajoke and Dipo immediately set out to solve it.

Analysis

Fond Nollywood memories prior to the age of extravagant costumes and high-tech cameras were stoked by Prophetess. It is not a flawless movie though. Far from it, and to be perfectly honest, it makes no effort to be. Prophetess is a melodramatic movie about melodramatic individuals, despite the fact that it contains probably an excessive amount of melodrama.

You might initially wonder why the movie continues to capitalize on the cliched dramatization of a religious practice of ‘white garment’ churches, but the plot goes to reveal credible themes touching tale of suffering, rejection, family, and salvation. The fact that Prophetess is about regular people, in our opinion, is what endeared it to the moviegoers the most.

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Prophetess’ problem is that most of the humour appears to be an outcome of the performance, not the actual content of the movie. Though the performance is excellent, the lines are not up to par. The conversation might occasionally come out as being very commonplace and unoriginal. Although Prophetess has humour, it suffers from humour that is centred on the actors rather than the picture.

Plot

The plot was skillfully crafted to reflect a number of societal truths, including the themes of love and forgiveness within a family, religious sentiments that influence decision-making, employer-employee relationships, mob mentality, social media trolling, and sports fandom, by award-winning director Niyi Akinmolayan. It is also quite intriguing how the author gently highlighted the poor condition of our regional football clubs and the disregard for former players and football legends. Nollytrailers thought the intertwined storylines were insightful and well-integrated.

Casting and Acting

The cast of the film represented a diverse range of individuals from various backgrounds, with various aspirations, and leading various lives. We witnessed the difficulties and obstacles faced by actual people experiencing actual emotions while going about their daily lives. From the wealthy to the poor, tech-savvy to inept, educated to ignorant, the characters were not out of place and were discovered in their natural elements, right down to the finer points of their appearances and etiquette.

Nollytrailers would like to assume that the performers who portrayed each role did a better job of capturing the personality of the characters than anyone else could have. With Toyin Abraham playing the major role and actors like Kehinde Bankole and Lateef Adedimeji.

Set

The Prophetess chose a genuine and well-thought-out place; Ibadan has a long history. The director documented the city’s historical past by photographing prominent and noteworthy landmarks such as the Liberty Stadium, Mapo Hall, and a few more. The characters’ separate residences were also nicely chosen, with a clear portrayal of and differentiation between rural and urban areas.

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Cinematography

Niyi, with this project, once again demonstrates that intriguing cinematography is not all about choice locations and beautiful landscape. The A-List filmmaker here displayed a strong command of image compositions and shots that effectively told the tale. The use of on-screen social network pop-ups spiced the story-telling – they were funny, extremely realistic, and added to the story’s growth.

Sound Design and Music

The uniqueness of this film’s musical creations was a joy to the ears. The invention of a character song for “Fogo Bombastic,” as well as the majority of the instrumentals used, was fantastic. At times, the music was a rich mash-up of well-known Yoruba songs. Some may argue that Yoruba people would like and relate to the music more as a result of this, however ethnicity is not a barrier to appreciating the mood generated by the music at various moments throughout the film.
It is also worth noting the sharp and clear sound production. Sounds that appeared to be routine, such as the crushing of pepper – a mannerism by one of the characters – were intensified for a greater impression.

Rating (4/5)

Review 0
3.9 Reviewer
Users 0 (0 votes)
Theme4
Screenwriting3.5
Visual Design4
Cinematography4
Editing4
Sound and Music4
Acting4
Directing4
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Reviews

When love blooms: A twist, as love is ruined by unexpected truth

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When Love Blooms movie review

Biodun Stephen’s “When Love Blooms” on YouTube offers a fresh take on romance, where a budding relationship faces a shocking revelation. Expect drama and unexpected turns

 

Director: Biodun Stephen
Genre: Drama, romance
Cast: Daniel Etim Effiong, Osareme Inegbenebor, Biodun Stephen, Timilehin Ojeola, Elijah Ogann Anighoro, Nancee Maurice, Mary Jeremiah.

PLOT
Two people fall in love after a break-up with their partners. They decide to take things slow just to make sure they are not rebounds for each other. A shocking truth is revealed that will ultimately ruin any plans they may have for a future romantic relationship. Love always blooms right, but this time it bloomed wrong!

Also read: Wives On Fire: Chaos as game unearths shocking secret

CAST AND THEIR ROLES

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Daniel Effiong plays Daniel: He lost a relationship and found a girl he is really attracted to.
Osareme Inegbenebor plays Sandra: Got out of a four-year relationship that was obviously going nowhere, only to meet Daniel who is attracted to her.
Biodun Stephen plays Mrs Osagie: Daniel’s mum who revealed the shocking truth that broke the expectation Daniel and Sandra might have had.
Timilehin Ojeola plays Jude: Daniel’s colleague who introduced him on a business basis to Sandra, who is also a caterer.
Elijah Ogann Anighoro plays Francis: Sandra’s ex-boyfriend who had been using her for his own selfish reasons for four years.
Nancee Maurice plays Queen: Daniel’s ex-girlfriend who broke up with him simply because he was too easy-going, perfect and had no fault in him.
Mary Jeremiah plays Mary: Queen’s friend who constantly reminded her of how foolish she was to dump a man like Daniel, and kept encouraging her to get ‘her man’ back.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The movie is a sweet combination of drama, family and romance. Definitely not the usual. You won’t expect what is coming your way.

Fresh out the block on Biodun Stephen TV on YouTube. Play the video above to watch this movie on YouTube!

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Reviews

Wives On Fire: Chaos as game unearths shocking secret

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Wives on fire movie review

Friendship takes a dramatic turn in “Wives on Fire” after a game of truth or dare unearths a shocking secret. Will a newlywed’s marriage survive betrayal?

(more…)

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Entertainment

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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