This is a popular Nigerian street maxim that implies that you are a victim of circumstance, literally. Though also used to underpin that the source of one’s failures and/or retrogression is most likely because some evil individual or individuals’ is/are after you with voodoo or enchantment and even maybe, curses.
The saying has become a common alibi for most dreamers who give up or give in to spiritual gymnastics, rather than take on life’s brutal resistance against breaking through in a highly competitive world.
“This Lady Called Life” is a brilliant playout of the above-described reality. The name of the movie itself is a poetic play of words. On one hand, it implies a howl against life’s eventualities (like in ‘life happened’) and on the other, it introduces the lead role, Aiye, who’s an exhausted receptor of the harsh exigent bartering of Aiye (life)!
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This 2020 romantic drama that stars Abisola Aiyeola as Aiye starts off painting the struggles of a single mother attempting to trade her misfortune for a big dream of becoming one of Nigeria’s most famous Sous-chefs. The biggest platform for showcasing her cookery talent lines before her but the struggles of juggling babysitting and delivering home-made food to her customers was going to stop her from getting in on time, to write a popular entrance exam for amateur chefs. Fully prepared and well-studied, she makes it in just in time for the exam only for her phone to ring and Jemima Osunde (Toke in the movie) gets on the line with the news that their mother (Legendary Tina Mba) has just been rushed to the hospital.
Aiye ditches her exams and rushes off to the hospital to discover it is not an emergency worth throwing away her life’s dream for. She returns to her lowly life saddened, after giving off the first sign of the dysfunctionality in her relationship with her mother.
Aiye’s father, played by Wale Ojo, comes visiting quite early the next day and theatrically gets her to agree to come home after several years of banishment, enforced by her mother, who couldn’t forgive her for getting pregnant while at school. She’s needed to take care of her since her father, an out-of-town university lecturer, and her sister, a pregnant new bride are not available to do so. She takes along her son, who has prior, had no relationship with his grandmother. The corrosive atmosphere of Aiyetide’s formative years soon becomes a new reality, as the movie goes on to show the damages of verbal abuse, compassionless parenting and the misery of a child that is never heard.
Aiye would soon find love in a customer and photographer, who opens the last door to the stage where her life’s dream stares her in the face. She’s become glossophobic because of her life’s experiences, and this hunts her even in her dreams. Again, ‘life happens’ in this her rare shot at a better life and in a flux of love, mistrust and hatred from her own mother, Aiye gives her best towards having a happy ending.
Kayode Kassum, the Yabatech and Wale Adenuga Productions-trained young filmmaker once again brought his expertise to bear in this work, just like he’s done with the highly successful movie Sugar Rush and other brilliant works. The Bisola that we know is extremely playful, one could imagine the amount of work it would have taken to get her into the character of a reserved and very serious Aiye – they must have shot and reshot some scenes to pin her to the script. The was definitely immense hard work to have achieved the excellent delivery that is seen in all major characters.
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The plot of “This Lady Called Life” is simple, almost like a stage play, but the execution clearly took meticulous care. Aiye’s one-room apartment and her parents’ house were shot in a way that the entire set could be collapsed into one big stage. There’s nothing fussy or overdone in the film’s look, nothing to distract. Human interaction is the main event here. Some interactions are intense, most others ordinary, but well lined with the striking realities of the society.
The highlight of the movie would be the scene Aiye walks into her mother flogging her son with a hanger, just after getting through the first audition in the ‘Red Dish Amateur Chef’ contest (by the way, Red Dish is a real-life leader in culinary arts training in Nigeria). Aiye comes out of her silence and confronted her mean mother for the very first time:
“You are a wicked mother…Tola raped me, I came to tell you, I begged you but you never listened”.
That scene, that phrase – “you never listened” sort of climaxed the train of lessons on the ill side of stern parenting that this movie sort to underpin. African parents expecting sainthood from their children and trashing them down anything they do not live to their religious/peer-pressure-coloured expectations, end up turning their wards to the cold hands of life and in most cases worst influences. Taking away vital support systems of love, empathy and attention, because a child wouldn’t fit into a parent’s mold is nothing short of callous. This fact was well delivered in this film.
It is very nice to see a film deal with this salient parenting issues with excellent nuances, particularly at a time we are dealing with major cultural differences between parents of varying generations. Also commendable is the film’s showcase of non-traditional and not-so-popular career paths of culinary arts and photography as an image of a worthy life pursuit by the main characters.
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The Cast
Bisola Aiyeola as Aiye
Efa Iwara as Obinna
Jemima Osunde as Toke
Tina Mba as mummy
Wale Ojo as daddy
Lota Chukwu as Omo
The Crew
Director: Kayode Kasum
Producer: Abisola Yussuf and Kayode Kasum
Screenplay: Toluwani Obayan
The “it” Factor? There is nothing novel about this work.
“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
“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.”
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.