Akan

It is always nice to hear a different language in a Nollywood film from the usual Igbo or Yoruba. However , although this film bills itself as an English language film , about 70% of the film is in Ibibio. It is subtitled perfectly though and you are never left confused by it or by what is happening in the film. The film does misrepresent itself both in name and in its poster, it seems like such a high concept action flick, I half expected Alex Ekubo to be carrying a gun in that daring pose.

From the synopsis of this film it is pretty clear what was going to happen. It’s not a new plot in Nollywood – Mona Lisa starred in one. But watching the film I was pleasantly surprised. Akan played by Alex Ekubo wants to marry a so-called foreign girl which does not impress his father. Instead of presenting a clear victim and villain the film takes great pain to examine each character from their unique point of view. You can see everyone’s point of view which that makes for an interesting watch. On the other hand it does take a while to get to the meat of the thing. The end is predictable, conflicts are resolved and everyone gets it in the end. It is a tidy self-contained story with no surprises and no ambition. It won’t win awards but it won’t lose any points.

The acting from Alex Ekubo was a quite convincing and I find that he keeps getting better and better. Probably the best of all the new male actors. This is the second time I have seen Venita Akpofure-the first in the horrendous Gold-digger- and both times she doesn’t inspire. Her performance isn’t bad but it is just uninspired. Ime Bishop was used with subtlety and finesse, he can get very annoying when used too much in a film but here, and his character was allowed to be the comedic relief without overpowering it. Grace Johnson should have been the main character of this movie but wasn’t, she was great as the warrior that just won’t quite. All in all it is a well-acted film; there is no actor that puts you out of the film.

The visuals of this film is nigh on perfect. It is miles better than any other film that Irokotv has in its arsenal. It was clear, crisp HD.  The length is also good, not too long but not so short that it feels rushed.

In conclusion, I would recommend this movie, it is a well told indigenous film that takes an old story and gives it a new gloss. It joins a slowly growing number of moderately good Calabar/Ibibio movies. Alex Ekubo’s accent though, it’s not every time someone goes ‘Abroad’ they come back with an accent.