ACT OF FAITH

TITLE: Act of Faith 1&2
DIRECTOR: Ikenna Emma. Aniekwe (d.g.n)
PRODUCER: Charles Offor
DATE OF RELEASE: 2008
CAST: Mercy Johnson, Mike Ezuruonye, Halima Abubakar, Patience Ozokwor, Ify Afuba, Ifeanyi Azodo, Chizzy Okiche.
REVIEWER: APAPA YETUNDE



A couple, Uche the pastor and Lesley the pastor’s husband are not able to bear children, and Uche is hounded by the Lesley’s mother for “refusing to produce grandchildren. One day armed robbers break into the home and Uche is raped. While at the hospital she is mute and not responding to anyone so the doctors suggest moving her to a psychiatric ward. Her mother is distraught and begs her to “pray herself out” of the situation. Even in the psychiatric ward the psychotherapist played by Halima whips out the bible when she is perturbed by the patient howling at her. She is then sent out of leslies house, and for she then gets destabilized. She then gets Uche’s mother to read bible verses to her until she calms down. In the end the baby turns out to be leslie,s and NOT the armed robber’s. We find this out when it is revealed that the baby has the same birthmark that David, his mother and all family members on that side of the family have. She is convinced that he will be convinced the baby is his and presents the baby to him. He is not willing to listen to anything she has to say and turns her away from the compound. Up until the doctor comes in and explains everything to him. The couple reunite back together and become one.
We pray, we fast, we believe, WE’RE CHRISTIANS, but when temptations come, then we know the true genuine christains. One stands, the other revert and does do real bad That’s the theme that runs through the movie, Act of Faith.
The film, Act of Faith, directed by Ikenna is one that typical exemplifies some struggles which Christian marriages go through. It is a film based on Christian practices that shows instance of intense test of faith. It takes the viewers in-depth knowledge of how to stand the test of time with faith and hope as one’s weapons as Christians.
Unlike other movies, this movie is unique with new context that viewers can be interested in because it sheds a whole new light and is based on a story line that is way different from the normal trend Nigerian films take which is either based on love or witchcraft, an epitome of lack of expertise always accredited to Nigerian films based on lack of relevant names which mostly come in something expressed with love: love is blind? Could this be love?, A kiss from love, unconditional love, for better or for worse and so on.
Most Nigerian movie titles, since the 80’s, are always displayed with low graphic design and atrocious application of colours. Surprisingly, even this film, which happens to be birthed in the new millennium century, fell victim of such application. The movie title design used was not even one shift away from the former trend which makes it unattractive even from the start of the movie.
The story revolves around the lives of Uche (Mercy Johnson) and Chidebelu/ Leslie (Mike Ezuronye) living as husband and wife. There were both Christians, with the wife as a pastor and the husband, a business man. The story revolves around circumstance that they faced, circumstance that really tested that faith and believes in God in very tactical and frustrating ways. From inability to give birth to rape, dejection, frustration and wickedness.
Flashback s a narrative technique was not really employed, except once when the husband on knowing the DNA results, thought of all the humiliation he put his wife through.
In production and photography, a satisfactory number of camera shots and angles were employed based on the standard of Nigerian movies
In the use of transitions, varieties were not adopted as fade-in and fadeout was predominantly used. The sound effects were appalling as underground noise was not filtered out.
In the story line also, some part of the scene tend to unrealistic. For instance, the scene where Uche and Chidebelu entered the house on getting back from the hospital, the T.V was on. From the onset, they didn’t have a maid, so the audience is left in practical oblivion of who actually switched the T.V on. Also, Uche, all through the movie was referred to as Pastor (Mrs), but we never so her church, not even to mention the congregation; references were only made that she was at church either doing this, or that. Furthermore, the Delivery scene was drastically unrealistic because the mother on request, just entered A THEATRE ROOM without any costume or facial mask and the flair of unnecessary emotion by Chidebelu was literarily uncalled for in the script.
Nevertheless, the film is an enjoyable one as suspense is used to sustain the attention of viewers who want to know the outcome. Although some defects are evident in the movie; they do not disrupt the theme of the movie which is quite sophisticated but still understandable and applicable.

APAPA YETUNDE 07BE05496
 

ACT OF FAITH

TITLE: Act of Faith 1&2
DIRECTOR: Ikenna Emma. Aniekwe (d.g.n)
PRODUCER: Charles Offor
DATE OF RELEASE: 2008
CAST: Mercy Johnson, Mike Ezuruonye, Halima Abubakar, Patience Ozokwor, Ify Afuba, Ifeanyi Azodo, Chizzy Okiche.
REVIEWER: APAPA YETUNDE



A couple, Uche the pastor and Lesley the pastor’s husband are not able to bear children, and Uche is hounded by the Lesley’s mother for “refusing to produce grandchildren. One day armed robbers break into the home and Uche is raped. While at the hospital she is mute and not responding to anyone so the doctors suggest moving her to a psychiatric ward. Her mother is distraught and begs her to “pray herself out” of the situation. Even in the psychiatric ward the psychotherapist played by Halima whips out the bible when she is perturbed by the patient howling at her. She is then sent out of leslies house, and for she then gets destabilized. She then gets Uche’s mother to read bible verses to her until she calms down. In the end the baby turns out to be leslie,s and NOT the armed robber’s. We find this out when it is revealed that the baby has the same birthmark that David, his mother and all family members on that side of the family have. She is convinced that he will be convinced the baby is his and presents the baby to him. He is not willing to listen to anything she has to say and turns her away from the compound. Up until the doctor comes in and explains everything to him. The couple reunite back together and become one.
We pray, we fast, we believe, WE’RE CHRISTIANS, but when temptations come, then we know the true genuine christains. One stands, the other revert and does do real bad That’s the theme that runs through the movie, Act of Faith.
The film, Act of Faith, directed by Ikenna is one that typical exemplifies some struggles which Christian marriages go through. It is a film based on Christian practices that shows instance of intense test of faith. It takes the viewers in-depth knowledge of how to stand the test of time with faith and hope as one’s weapons as Christians.
Unlike other movies, this movie is unique with new context that viewers can be interested in because it sheds a whole new light and is based on a story line that is way different from the normal trend Nigerian films take which is either based on love or witchcraft, an epitome of lack of expertise always accredited to Nigerian films based on lack of relevant names which mostly come in something expressed with love: love is blind? Could this be love?, A kiss from love, unconditional love, for better or for worse and so on.
Most Nigerian movie titles, since the 80’s, are always displayed with low graphic design and atrocious application of colours. Surprisingly, even this film, which happens to be birthed in the new millennium century, fell victim of such application. The movie title design used was not even one shift away from the former trend which makes it unattractive even from the start of the movie.
The story revolves around the lives of Uche (Mercy Johnson) and Chidebelu/ Leslie (Mike Ezuronye) living as husband and wife. There were both Christians, with the wife as a pastor and the husband, a business man. The story revolves around circumstance that they faced, circumstance that really tested that faith and believes in God in very tactical and frustrating ways. From inability to give birth to rape, dejection, frustration and wickedness.
Flashback s a narrative technique was not really employed, except once when the husband on knowing the DNA results, thought of all the humiliation he put his wife through.
In production and photography, a satisfactory number of camera shots and angles were employed based on the standard of Nigerian movies
In the use of transitions, varieties were not adopted as fade-in and fadeout was predominantly used. The sound effects were appalling as underground noise was not filtered out.
In the story line also, some part of the scene tend to unrealistic. For instance, the scene where Uche and Chidebelu entered the house on getting back from the hospital, the T.V was on. From the onset, they didn’t have a maid, so the audience is left in practical oblivion of who actually switched the T.V on. Also, Uche, all through the movie was referred to as Pastor (Mrs), but we never so her church, not even to mention the congregation; references were only made that she was at church either doing this, or that. Furthermore, the Delivery scene was drastically unrealistic because the mother on request, just entered A THEATRE ROOM without any costume or facial mask and the flair of unnecessary emotion by Chidebelu was literarily uncalled for in the script.
Nevertheless, the film is an enjoyable one as suspense is used to sustain the attention of viewers who want to know the outcome. Although some defects are evident in the movie; they do not disrupt the theme of the movie which is quite sophisticated but still understandable and applicable.

BY APAPA YETUNDE 07BE05496
 

movie review by Abisola Smith
09be08994.
Omije Kikoro
Executive Producer-Evom world network
Producer- shola mike Agboola
Story writer- Shola mike Agboola
Screen play- Ireti Akinwummi
Make up and costume- Treasure Oyekanmi
Segun Akosile
Tosin Oluwarinu
Camera crew- Framework Film & TV
Lincoln Studios
Starring
Akowe fisayo Olorunsola
Iya lanleedi Florence Afolabi
Adan Jonathan Oyewusi
Agemo Gbenga Adekeye
Fadeke Nike Kolade
Dapo Seyi Adeniyi
Themes
Bitterness
Sorrow
Evil/ wickedness
Strength
Movie rating-(4) 1to 10
Location – Ilorin (Nigeria)
The movie Omije kikoro meaning bitter tears is a Yoruba movie which is subtitled in English that depicts the everyday happenings in the realm of the occult. How they gather and plan to capture, destroy and torment the lives of men who chose to lower their guards, or live carelessly.
After the death of Arogidigba, the chief herbalist of Edokinkin town, a battle of supremacy ensues between Agemo and Adan, the two remaining senior herbalists- with each of the claiming a right to the vacant office. The two begin to fight and the case is taken to the kabiyesi for advice, who then refers them to the stand by oracle.
The more heartless of the two is tipped to take over as the Arogidigba. While Adan consults familiar spirits for help, Agemo approaches Ajiun, the head of witches to get assistance.
A fierce battle ensues, leaving behind a tale of bitter tears. Fadeke an easy going Christian lady and Akowe a no-nonsense unbeliever get caught in the cross fire between the warring herbalists.
The people of the occult try everything to deviate Fadeke from her Faith but she would not bulge, so they device a plan to have her fornicate with her fiancé Dapo by blowing winds of carelessness into their relationship. Shortly after this the counseling pastor gets revelations about their union and confronts them, but they deny any act of iniquity, which rolls out the carpet of calamity for them, and causes fadeke to weep bitter uncontrollable tears.
Akowe is fed with bean cake (akara) in a dream at night but as a result of his lackadaisical attitude towards things he disregards the incidence as just a dream and unknown to him by the eating of the bean cake he had been inflicted with a painful incurable illness that will cause tears to follow from his eyes daily.
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This movie is a teaching tool that depicts the scripture which says “be sober and be vigilant, for your adversary the devil walketh to and fro the earth seeking whom he may devour”. It is an eye opening movie that brings to light how unsafe the world we live in is and how we all should be equipped against the wiles of the enemy.

HONEST DECEIVER by OPARA OKWUCHI

STORY:– Fatima Zanna
SCREENPLAY: – Wonder Obinna Obasi
DIRECTOR: – Andy Chukwu
STILL PHOTO: GENTLE SOUL
WELFARE: AUGUSTINE OKEKE
MUSIC: SEIGHA SMOOTH EBIDE
CO-ORDINATOR: DAVID AGINWA
LIGHT/SOUND: UCHE UWAJU
PRODUCTION MANAGER: IFEANYI NDOKWU
GRAPHICS: JAHBLESS UKAEGBU
POST PRODUCTION: ULZEE DIGITAL STUDIO
ASST. EDITOR: SAMUEL EMMANUEL
EDITOR: JAHBLESS UKAEGBU
PRODUCER: AZUKA ODUNUKWE
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: AZUKA ODUNUKWE AND ULOMA ODUNUKWE
DIRECTOR: TCHIDI CHIKERE
CONTINUITY: CHIJIOKE OKEKE OGUNO
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: EFE EPHRAIM
MAKE UP ARTIST: KINGSLEY GODWIN
COSTUME DESIGNER: CHIEMELA NWAGBOSO
RELEASE DATE: 2010
GENRE: MELODRAM DURATION:1hr,26 mins
THEMES: Mental Illness in Nigeria
Marriage of Convenience in Nigeria
Domestic Violence in Nigeria
Politics Nigerian
Family Secrets in Nigeria
Money Rituals i
LOCATION: NIGERIA REVIEWER: OPARA OKWUCHI DOMINICA
09BE08985
STARRING: Ini Edo – Diana
Justus Esiri – Denis
Benedict Johnson – Flobert
Ali Nuhu – Damian
Fatima Zanna – Eva
Steve Eboh – Senator
Tony Ezimadu – Chief Williams
Kingsley Precious – Raymond
Maureen Ihua – Maira
Ngozi Duru – Annabel
Veronica Dafe – Doctor
Lilian Ume – Sophie
Sylvia Oluchi – Lara
Esther Okereke – Regina
Marcus Pilla – Nico
Inno Nwafor – Smack
Andy Chukwu – Oscar
Oge Madu – Court Clerk
Chinonso Ogbuka – Rose
REVIEW:
Diana is in a long term relationship with Flobert. Her relationship is being threatened by her parents who want her to marry Chief Williams’ son Damian in order to aid her father in realising his political ambitions. They will not accept Flobert, deeming him a “pauper” and below their social standing and this is despite the fact that he helped put both Diana and her sister through school. Eventually Diana is persuaded to accept Damian’s proposal and wedding arrangements are made. At the same time Flobert discovers a secret about Damian that could have a devastating effect on Diana’s future. Flobert tries to tell Diana the secret about Damian but she refuses to listen, misreading his intentions. However it is not long after marriage that she discovers the secret for herself, and slowly throughout the plot other secrets emerge.
Senator Macauley’s political ambitions are under threat by the appearance of someone from his past that he would have rather forgotten. He now has to make the decision between his son’s future happiness versus his political future.
SPOILERS:
We are shown how money and greed can ruin relationships. Before Diana’s family came into money they were accepting of Damian, especially because at that time they needed him. In the same way Flobert’s friend was formerly good friends with Damian before Damian’s family came into money and resulted in the end of that relationship. We can see that conditions are temporary and the same way that one acquires money is the same way that one can lose money. Relationships should be based on personal qualities and characteristics, not superficial material things. Both of the sister’s marriages were arranged by their gather for greedy ulterior motives, and we see the grief that is caused in the process.
In Diana’s time of need it is her friends that the family looked down upon that are sitting by her hospital bedside giving support after she has been battered by the crazy man that her parent’s set her up with simply because of his father’s positioning in the society. We can see how money is not important in the grand scheme of things. It cannot buy sanity or happiness. What good is marrying a rich man whose family are connected when he is crazy and batters you? Can you enjoy money and status when you are lying in a coffin?
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Damian’s secret is his mental illness. In my opinion it was badly portrayed (what’s new right?) He was made into some sort of Jekyll and Hyde sort of character. He supposedly went for treatment in London. The treatment is supposed to have worked so why is his behaviour still off? Is he still supposed to be on medication or what? It is unbelievable that NO symptoms whatsoever are displayed before the marriage but then immediately afterwards his madness is full throttle. As I have said before research is vital. If he was treated in London why is there no name for his condition apart from “madness.” It doesn’t take much to google schizophrenia or bi-polar and make the symptoms fit.
The whole wedding set up was confusing. Maucauley says that his own son is supposed to marry Eva, Diana’s sister and because he is being blackmailed by his wife’s long lost son Oscar, he agrees to pretend to be Oscar’s father in order for Ocar to wed Eva and prevent any scandal. I found it weird that Eva’s parents did not look shocked to see another guy being brought to them. Are we supposed to believe that neither Eva or her parents or sister had never even met or seen a picture of the guy that she had planned to marry?! Raymond presents himself at Eva’s parents house after the wedding and they look shocked when he announces his name. Hold up! I don’t remember Oscar pretending his name was Raymond so why the shock? After Oscar locks up Eva in a hotel room after their marriage he tells her the truth behind the situation, and tells her, “I did it because I love you so much.” HUH? How? They apparently haven’t ever met so how does he figure he loves her? Then at the end of the movie we see Raymond enter the picture and come to claim Eva. Raymond has come with a gun and ready to kill for his “wife.”. She apparently has never met either of them and they are both going postal over her. During the confrontation Oscar asks Eva who she wants to spend the rest of her life with. Hmmm… Great choices, which one should she choose, a kidnapper or a potential killer?
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In the end we learn that Damian’s father used his brains for money rituals and this is what caused the madness. I thought it was a ridiculous ending. I find that Charm/rituals always used as a cop out to explain someone’s behaviour. If Damian’s father had in fact used his brains for money rituals as is claimed, then why was he sent to London for treatment? Why are we told that the treatment worked? How can the treatment have worked if he wasn’t really mentally ill? After the children in the movie being sacrificed by their parents for their own selfish gains it was nice that it ended with everybody with someone that they actually wanted to be with and their parents accepting of the choices made. Ali Nuhu is popping up everywhere and is a bit stiff in he acting, as is Fatima Zanna. Her acting was patchy as was her story; both needed a lot of work. On the whole I found the movie a little too far fetched for my liking and there were too many holes in the story. If the execution was better it could have been a really good movie, but the execution was weak
SOUNDTRACK: My heart will go on by Celine Dion
TITLE SEQUENCE: At the beginning of the movie before the title was revealed the main casts were shown from scenes of the movie with their names written underneath then the title was revealed on a black background.
CINEMATOGRAPHY
SHOTS: medium shot, close up and extreme close up (the extreme close up when flobert proposed To eva In the presence of Diana, there was more emphasis on Diana’s face to show the hurt when his wife said yes).
ANGLE: Medium angle was foremost in the movie though the extremely high and low angles were also used.
TRANSITION: at the beginning of the move there was a zoom out from Damian’s shoes to show that he was preparing for an interview, also along the line of the movie there was a zoom in to the wall clock to emphasize how late it was and Flobert had not returned home.
COSTUME: Kofoworola Onifade; the costumes were fit for all the parts played.
MAKE-UP: Regina Chukwu; the make-up for some of the casts was a little too much.
REFLECTION: I was really impressed with the line to which the story took and also the end I myself couldn’t believe I could settle down to finish a Nigerian movie not to speak of a Yoruba one oduction W
PERSONAL ASSESMENT: I’d give it a five over ten.