Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti

The film “Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti” chronicles the life of its titular character, starting from her early years as the first female student at Abeokuta Grammar School, where she met her future husband, Israel Ransome-Kuti. The narrative then shifts to her adult years, highlighting her shift from an educationist to a revolutionary leader fighting against the oppressive taxation imposed by colonial rule.

Nollywood isn’t home to many biopics, and the few that exist often fall short of expectations. Given this track record, one might expect Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti to be another mediocre adaptation. However, this film defies those expectations, standing out as a remarkable entry in its genre

From the first scene, we’re shown the excellence this movie is going to deliver. We get a scene that’s frenzied but the details of the occurrence aren’t lost. Following this captivating introduction, Joke Silva, who plays the elder Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, delivers a narration that remains consistently compelling throughout the film.

The first thing to praise about this biopic is the writing. In an industry where solid storytelling can be a rarity, it’s essential to celebrate when it’s achieved. By the end of the movie, the story of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti isn’t done but we know who she is and what she stands for. She’s not just Fela’s mother or the first Nigerian woman to ride a car, she’s a woman who became the voice of women when she didn’t need to, a beacon of female empowerment. The true essence of the story being told is never lost and this is owed to the splendid script. Moreover, the dialogue is also keen, with witty and clever comedic moments interspersed. A movie like this doesn’t need comedy but the brilliance with how it’s incorporated ties it all together, making it hard to imagine the movie without those moments. Additionally, the expert use of callbacks in the dialogue enhances the storytelling.

The film uses a sophisticated narrative structure, weaving together three distinct timelines with precision and clarity. The earlier parts of the movie that show the titular character in her juvenile days use grainy sepia and gray tones to evoke the aesthetic and atmosphere of that era. This commitment to historical accuracy extends throughout the other timelines as well. As Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti transitions into her middle age, the graininess recedes, and the gray tones become less pronounced, reflecting the evolving times. Her aged years are depicted with a sharp lens and more colour, showing how technology has advanced at this time. The cinematography is nothing short of breathtaking, capturing sweeping mountain views and rustic old rooftops with remarkable authenticity. These visual elements not only enhance the story but also contribute to the overall immersive experience, transporting audiences to the heart of the story’s setting.

The costume design is a knockout. Meticulous attention to detail is evident in every garment, it follows the evolution of the story as it goes through the different timelines, making it an integral part of the film’s visual storytelling. Other than the costuming, the props used are also accurate. There’s nothing more annoying than seeing something modern in a period piece. Thankfully, every prop used in the film is carefully chosen to maintain the aura and environment of the story, ensuring that viewers remain fully engaged without any distractions.

The peaks of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti are just some of the best to come out of Nollywood in a long while. The commitment the makers of this film have is especially shown in a scene that features Orò (bullroarers). Traditionally, it’s taboo for women to look upon the Orò, this was a plot devised by Oba Ladapo Ademola II to disperse the rioting women. To combat this, naked old women march forward to face the Bullroarers, an act equally taboo for men to witness. This film fearlessly portrays this confrontation, featuring actual naked elderly women. While some might misconstrue this as mere shock value, it serves as a testament to the film’s commitment to authenticity. Such scenes are unprecedented in Nigerian cinema, yet they show the dedication of this adaptation to stay faithful to the story.

The performances in this movie are exceptional. Leading the pack is the performance delivered by Kehinde Bankole. Heading the bulk of the movie’s runtime, she shoulders the most responsibility. Kehinde Bankole has shown time and time again that she’s a great actress but her portrayal here really crowns her as the cream of the crop in Nollywood. She immerses herself totally into the role, giving a stellar embodiment of the woman she’s portraying. Her portrayal is a prime example of character acting. The variation she lends to her voice, her graceful walk, and the mannerisms she delivers, everything is exemplary of an actress that’s seasoned by experience. This portrayal can easily teeter to arrogance by other performers but here it’s all assured confidence. The other cast members which include Joke Silva, Adebayo ‘oga bello’ Salami, Adunni Ade, Jide Kosoko, Dele Odule, Ibrahim Suleiman, and Omowunmi Dada also deliver solid performances. Special mention goes to Iyimide Ayo-Olumoko, whose groundwork sets the stage for Bankole’s exceptional performance, laying a foundation that Bankole masterfully builds upon.

My only gripe, if I’ll call it that, is that I want more of this brave woman. That said, the various themes explored in this movie such as colonialism, feminism, class divide, activism, and social justice are treated with care and nuance.

Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti echoes the voice of a woman who was resilient and determined. Reflecting on her enduring legacy and the importance of remembering her contributions to Nigerian history. In conclusion, it’ll inspire, enlighten, and remind of the indomitable spirit of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti and her quest for justice. Undoubtedly, this is the best cinematic release of 2024.