Skip to main content

NO WONDER IT IS "A TRIBE CALLED JUDAH" (CRITIQUE)



By Promise Odejide

A Tribe Called Judah is a 2023 Nollywood movie that surprised me with its quality and originality. It has been a while since I spent my time watching Nollywood movies, due to their lack of creativity and inconsistency. So, when I read a teaser from a particular post about A Tribe Called Judah, I decided to starve myself to see the movie. Lo and behold, it was a masterpiece of drama with comedy, blending elements of suspense, action, and family values. The movie tells the story of a single mother, Jedidah Judah, and her five sons from different fathers, who embark on a daring heist to raise money for her kidney transplant. The movie features a star-studded cast, including Nse Ikpe Etim, Uzor Aruhumour, Timini Egbuson, Jide Kene Achufusi, and Boma Akpore, among others. The movie is produced by Funke Akindele and co-directed by Adeoluwa Owu and Funke Akindele.
The movie has several strengths that make it a captivating and enjoyable watch. First, the movie showcases the diversity and richness of Nigerian culture, as the characters come from different ethnic backgrounds and speak different languages. The movie also explores the themes of love, loyalty, sacrifice, and forgiveness, as the family members face various challenges and conflicts, but ultimately stick together and support each other. Second, the movie delivers a thrilling and suspenseful plot, as the heist plan goes awry and the family has to deal with unexpected twists and turns. The movie keeps the audience on the edge of their seats, as they wonder how the family will escape from the dangerous situation and secure the money for Jedidah's surgery. Third, the movie balances drama with comedy, as the characters display hilarious personalities and interactions. The movie has many humorous moments, such as Uzor Arukwe's portrayal of a flamboyant and semi-literate Igbo businessman, Pere's pickpocketing antics, and Ejiro's mischievous schemes with his girlfriend Testimony. The movie also has some witty dialogues and references to popular culture, such as the use of the slang "wahala" and the mention of the Big Brother Naija show.

The movie, however, also has some weaknesses that could have been improved. One weakness is the lack of character development for some of the characters, especially the antagonists. The movie does not give much background or motivation for why Uzor Arukwe's character, who is Emeka's boss and the owner of the money, is involved in money laundering and why he is so ruthless and cold-hearted. The movie also does not explain why Nse Ikpe Etim's character, who is Emeka's former boss and the mastermind of the heist, betrayed Emeka and wanted to steal the money for herself. The movie could have explored these characters more and made them more complex and relatable. Another weakness is the use of some clichés and stereotypes, such as the portrayal of Shina as a typical street thug, the depiction of Linda as a battered wife, and the representation of Adamu as a devout Muslim. The movie could have avoided these clichés and stereotypes and given more depth and originality to these characters.

Overall, A Tribe Called Judah is a highly entertaining and engaging movie that showcases the talent and creativity of Nollywood. The movie is a must-watch for anyone who loves drama, comedy, and action. The movie also delivers a powerful message of family, faith, and hope, as the family overcomes the odds and achieves their goal. The movie is a testament to the brilliance and success of Funke Akindele, who has once again broken records and set new standards for Nollywood. A Tribe Called Judah is a movie that will make you laugh, cry, and cheer. It is a movie that will stay with you long after you watch it.
No wonder it is the first-ever Nigerian movie to break the record of making a billion naira in cinemas, and the highest-grossing Nollywood title of all time. The movie has also received critical acclaim and positive reviews from both audiences and critics, who praised the movie's plot, cast, humour, and message. A Tribe Called Judah is not just a movie, it is a phenomenon that has taken Nollywood to the next level. It is a movie that every Nigerian should be proud of and support. It is a movie that deserves all the accolades and awards it can get. It is a movie that has made history and will remain in the hearts of many for a long time.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Kwara State Polytechnic Mass Communication Graduate Emerges Best Fellow at the 2024 Young Communication Fellowship

As I read about Mosunmola Esther Ajibade’s recent achievement, lines from the Kwara State Polytechnic anthem echoed in my mind. The anthem is more than a song; it captures the heart of the institution’s mission: "Our Citadel Of Excellence, Great Minds Have Come Out Of Thee. Our Blessed POLYTECHNIC That Nurtures Talents, Fulfills Dreams, Destinies, Hopes And Aspirations. We Love You For You Are The Haven Of Bright Mind With Great Ideas. Your Products Are Found Everywhere, KWARAPOLY, Your Praises We Sing." These lines perfectly tells the story of Mosunmola. A graduate of the Mass Communication Department, she has excelled across various fields as a voiceover artist, OAP, red carpet host, and writer. Her latest feat as the best fellow at the 2024 Young Communication Fellowship, organized by PR Nigeria in partnership with Image Marketer Promotion (IMP), adds another feather to her cap. Mosunmola entered the fellowship as an alternative candidate but emerged as the bes...

Golden Charity Foundation Spreads Christmas Love at City of Refuge Orphanage

The Golden Charity Foundation (GCF) brought festive cheer to the City of Refuge Orphanage Home on December 26, 2024, as part of their annual Christmas project.  Led by Publicity Secretary Kolawole Abdulakeem Oluwadamilola, the GCF team, including Financial Secretary Aishat Motunrayo Yusuf and other executive members, delivered bags of clothes, assorted provisions like biscuits, Indomie noodles, milk, and fresh fruits. The children's faces lit up with joy as they received these gifts. Program host, Miss Tomisin welcomed everyone and set a positive tone for the event. Kolawole Abdulakeem Oluwadamilola, standing in for the founder Miss Shukurat Temitope Ibrahim, emphasized the power of love and the importance of making others happy. Aishat Motunrayo Yusuf offered inspiring words, encouraging the children to believe in themselves and actively participate in society. Games and activities kept everyone entertained, further spreading joy. The orphanage management...

Corps Member Tackles Unemployment in Gombe with Fish Farming Training

A bold new project aimed at transforming the lives of 100 young people in Gombe is underway, as Ishaq Abdullahi Shehu, a dedicated National Youth Service Corps member from Kano State, turns his agricultural expertise into a community development program. The initiative focuses on modern fish farming techniques designed to combat youth unemployment and boost local food production. Ishaq, a graduate of agriculture from Kano University of Science and Technology Wudil with specializations in forestry, fisheries, and wildlife, is committed to changing the perception of farming. “Agriculture must be seen as a viable business, not just a way of life,” he explains. His program centers on the innovative Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS), a method that recycles water through mechanical and biological filtration to allow for high-density, sustainable fish farming while minimizing the use of land and water. Gombe, like many parts of Nigeria, is grappling with the dual challenges o...