Pulse Movie Review: “Fifty”

This film encapsulates reality, lifestyle and womanhood.

Several high budget Nollywood films have been released this year and ‘Fifty’ could just be the ‘drama of the year’. The EbonyLife Film directed by Biyi Bandele stars A-list actresses namely Ireti Doyle, Dakore Akande, Nse Ikpe Etim and Omoni Oboli. ‘Fifty’ encapsulates reality, lifestyle and womanhood.

The film set in Lagos is about four women: Elizabeth, Kate, Maria and Tola, who have all reached the midlife belt of their lives. With new developments in their lives, they are forced to reflect and make some changes and deal with issues such as pregnancy, rape, career, life threatening diseases and family conflict.

 

On Friday October 25, I got to attend the exclusive screening of the film in Lagos. All through the movie I was muttering out loud “brilliant”, “this is just fantastic”. When I think about this film, ‘Sex and the city’ sort of comes to mind.

Bandele’s direction of the film is just genius. “Fifty” is well pressed. It’s very obvious attention was paid to every single element of the film from location to the storyline to make up and costume. The interpretation of the characters of the leading ladies is outstanding.

Watch: Ireti Doyle, Dakore Akande, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Omoni Oboli in behind-the-scenes of movie

 

The narrative of this film is engaging and profound. From the start till the end, there isn’t one boring moment. The drama is entertaining and intense.

This film pushes the boundaries a bit though in terms of sex and nudity. There are a couple of sexy scenes in the movie, but they are presented in such a way it is not distasteful.

Malcolm McLean, who was the director of photography, does an incredible job in capturing the scenes and illuminating Lagos. His aerial views of the environment and the pans are mind blowing!!! In the film, the Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge is used as a centrepiece, highlighting the fact that bridge has become one of the most famous structures in Lagos. The film also features very artistic shots.

 

The film reveals different sides of the southern Nigerian city. I absolutely love how locations many of us Lagosians visit, drive and walk past were transformed into an entirely different backdrop to suit the film. It showcases art and culture in such a way anyone watching this movie would put Lagos down as a must-visit destination. Notably there is a scene of the movie shot at the New Afrikan Shrine.

The soundtrack of the movie features original compositions and songs from popular singers including Femi Kuti, Waje, Tiwa Savage, Waje and King Sunny Ade who also appear in the film as themselves.

 

‘Fifty’ is a story of the modern African woman. It covers the themes of love, relationships, faith and womanhood.

No spoilers here. Go watch the movie in cinema on December 13. I promise it’ll be worth every kobo.