by Johnson, Temiloluwa
No one has control over how they are born or where they are born into. Neither does anyone know the exact path destiny has made available for one. It’s fascinating and can also be scary. But one thing is inherent, as one grows up to understand and unravel things connected to their birth, one begins to find purpose. This is the story of Obalola, the protagonist of the much awaited two-hour movie, Gangs of Lagos.
“Isale eko is a jungle and here, everyone does what they must to survive.”
Right after the jarring scene where “Ogunlana Obalola” (the protagonist’s father) was shot, we are ushered into the movie with the voice of the lead act, Tobi Bakre” (Obalola) uttering those words above with vigour, followed by Obalola skilfully stealing from a woman in Isale Eko traffic.
The spunky crime thriller, Gangs of Lagos, shows an entanglement between community, blind loyalty, camaraderie, betrayal, love, purpose, violence and destiny. The movie was directed and written by Jade Osiberu, popularly known for Sugar Rush and Brotherhood. It was also co-written by K. I Jegede. The film is co-produced by Jade and Kemi Lala Akindoju and was released on prime video on the 7th of April, 2023— the first original piece on the platform.
Characters
The first noticeable thing in the movie is the intentionality and meticulousness that went into the casting. Jade Osiberu’s creation is not a star-studded movie, it is studded with talents and stars that you would not have thought had it in them. Or some you think have it in them but didn’t think you’ll be seeing them on your screen for Gangs of Lagos. Or some you have not seen on your screen before but put the act into the actor like a badass.
An example is Zlatan Ibile who made his film debut with Gangs of Lagos, a natural that aced his role, reminding the viewers about how important his icebox is to him; Wasiu Alabi Pasuma who took his role and made it a part of himself, you would almost think he is who London is in reality. Black Kamoru who also added the needed comedic relief to the movie did an impressive job with his role, as well as Yhemolee who was mostly by the sidelines but also did okay with his role. Damilola Ogunsi (Ekun) who impressed me with his carriage, Olarotimi Fakunle (Kazeem) who bodied the role like a real ruthless gangster with influence and terrific aura, he was made for the cinema and if I see him on the road today I’ll cross to the other side; Tayo Faniran (Nino) who left so much emotions in the viewers’ minds; Maleek Sanni (Young Oba), one of the Ikorodu Boiz with so much gusto and appetite for the screen who was perfect for the role. The role was made for him, he owned and honed it.
Veterans like Iyabo Ojo and Yinka Quadri handled their roles like the pros that they are even with the few screen time they had.
Themes
Gangs of Lagos is a fresh sensation about the existing use of thugs by politicians to steal ballot boxes and create violence during elections without minding bloodshed. Even create unrest for the regular sellers with the disguise of protecting them. A view into how “area boys” rise to become “political thugs” and are exploited by really powerful people in politics. Right now, it is the biggest movie creating a huge buzz in the Nollywood space.
For Nigerians who experienced the 2023 election in Lagos specifically, there is a shared similarity with the thugs and statements made in this movie. One of these statements was when Toni who was played by Bimbo Ademoye mentioned how her father was soon going to be the governor of Lagos state even though he does not have any certification of any sort to his name. A privileged child with blinded sight to the evil her father has perpetrated and sees a political position as an inheritance and family share. She acknowledged her father’s thuggery and stark evil-ry later into the movie uttering, “I wasn’t asked to be born this way”.
The other relatable statement was that made by the gubernatorial candidate played by Toyin Abraham Adeyemi, alluding to the enduring rule of a certain political class in a state for over two decades and how they fund political thuggery while siphoning funds. A crucial role laced with so much irony on her part. But, this is not going to be our dwelling point.
The movie focuses on the lives of three friends; Obalola (Tobi Bakre), Gift (Adesua Etomi) and Ify (Chike) who started navigating their lives through pilfering in the slums of Isale Eko, only to fully grow into thuggery at some point in their lives without having control of the situation anymore.
At exactly thirty minutes into the movie, my heart skipped multiple beats. I was jarred and upset, at the edge of my seat and ready for the next journey and emotion the movie would take me through.
Osiberu created a compelling movie that keeps you glued to see how it turns out. It is so riveting that it brings Lagosians on the big screen to watch themselves and juxtapose the common aspirations and dreams even in Isale Eko; an urban slum in Lagos.
Directing & Cinematography
The video direction is an A-plus as it takes one through the journey of different angles to arouse emotions from the viewers.
One of the most emotive, unforgettable scenes was the Chioma Akpota’s two glued-to-the-screen-minutes soliloquy. Not a lot of people can grasp your attention in that manner. An even deeper one was the next four minutes that followed. I held my hand over my mouth and marveled in silence at how beautiful the blood splatter was, not because it felt nice to watch gory scenes but because it was necessary and furthered a narrative I did not think of initially. A bird was brought out of a hat in the coming scenes.
The cinematography and the wardrobe department are incredible— each actor was creatively and intentionally tailored to fit their role and personality. Most notable examples are Ninolowo who portrayed a personality with his outfits and Kazeem who had the best wardrobe in my opinion. The lighting setup played a good part in delivering the right cinematography to our screens. It took us to the various times and ages mentioned in the scene.
An old friend and movie enthusiast once mentioned that “if you see a person wear white in a crime and thriller movie, there would be a blood splatter soon enough” and Gangs of Lagos proved to me how right he was.
Language was a weapon that gangs of Lagos wielded well, it employs a mix of Yoruba, English, pidgin and proper slangs to drive home the message and its authenticity to the state used for the story.
However, as beautiful as gangs of Lagos was on our screen, it lacked some things— story continuity and development. You might get lost and confused while trying to focus on a story then it changes into something different entirely. Nonetheless, the dialogue and video direction keeps you hooked. The plot picks up and thickens at the middle of the movie and gets you wanting to find out how it turns out eventually. Also, the special effects in the fight scene were not so great but again, the cinematography would pull you in and make you think otherwise.
Verdict
Is Gangs of Lagos a great movie? It is. But, not perfect. It is memorable too and a stirring addition to the already impressive nollywood productions.
The ending was spot-on and astounding!
It is a 7/10 for me— a riveting, emotional and gritty watch!
