1. Elesin Oba: the Movie
Here is my review on the Movie titled "Elesin Oba" a screenplay adaptation of "Death and the King's Horseman" by Wole Soyinka.
Reading through comments on most social media, I was disappointed to see such high level of negative remarks...
Here is my review on the Movie titled "Elesin Oba" a screenplay adaptation of "Death and the King's Horseman" by Wole Soyinka.
Reading through comments on most social media, I was disappointed to see such high level of negative remarks...
2. Criticism is allowed in a given work but not to this extent of sheer mediocrity. Logicality is required for deciphering the sequences of a movie of this nature, especially being a total African theatre play. It was written for the Theatre mot Cinema,
3. more reason why we should give Kudus to the Director, Biyi Bandele and the crew members for a great job done. Though, I have my reservation for some scenes, but like I said, it's not an easy play to stage, talk more of screened.
4. However, to understand the movie, one must equip themselves with the knowledge of the setting which is the Old Oyo Empire. Cosmologically, the Yorubas believe in three worlds; the Living, the Dead and the Unborn, which are jointly referred to as Tripartite Cosmology...
5. This three exist because of the other and none can be without the other.
Thence, you will understand the importance of a King's Horseman (Elesin Oba) whose sole responsibility in the world of the Living and that of the Dead, is to escort the King to wherever he goes including
Thence, you will understand the importance of a King's Horseman (Elesin Oba) whose sole responsibility in the world of the Living and that of the Dead, is to escort the King to wherever he goes including
6. when he kicks the bucket. We may understand it better if we have wider knowledge of World history and cultural practices. When the King dies in many cultures of the world, they are mostly buried with their slaves and properties like the Terracotta Army of Qin Dynasty and...
7. King Tutankhamun of Egypt, the Yoruba Kings also practice similar tradition to the fulfillment of their birthright and death-right. I wouldn't blame consumers of popular culture who finds it meaningless or lacking the everyday touch of Nollywood jamboree.
8. Certainly, the movie requires deeper knowledge of some certain Indigenous practices in term of locale, costumes, language, dance and music and a host of others, to boost further understanding.
9. Many condemned the victimisation of Elesin in their criticism. Some believed he has done nothing wrong. Yes, Elesin knows and wanted to fulfill his birthright but he became unfortunate the moment he started foot-dragging towards the ritual night and the right of passage...
10. ...to the land of the Dead, where the King is believed to have been waiting for him to escort him through the Heaven's Gate. Without such suicidal ritual, the King shall not rest and carnage may befall the land for abandoning their King.
11. This can be seen in a broader context, though.
Yes, there is a displays of bicultural hubris, which is usually a common ground among African writers. The colonial influence (Simon Pilkings) truncated the ritual process, but Elesin is to blame for lack of time consciousness,
Yes, there is a displays of bicultural hubris, which is usually a common ground among African writers. The colonial influence (Simon Pilkings) truncated the ritual process, but Elesin is to blame for lack of time consciousness,
12. ...and lack of timely fulfillment of communal duties but having time for frivolities which was why his son walked out on him. The first scene gives a vivid account of what he has been doing with his remaining time on the land of the living, where he was surrounded...
13. by many women in bed. This shows that he is not passionate about the role assigned.
Olohun Iyo(Brymo) serves as his conscience most time by reminding him of his duty but he ignored. Iyaloja, equally warns him of wanting everything beautiful under skirt, he ignores.
Olohun Iyo(Brymo) serves as his conscience most time by reminding him of his duty but he ignored. Iyaloja, equally warns him of wanting everything beautiful under skirt, he ignores.
14. He became a victim of his own flaws which led to his fall and that of his generation to come through his promising and learned Son, Olounde.
The movie is well loaded with African folklore which Gen Y and Z may find very difficult to locate in their repository. I will advise
The movie is well loaded with African folklore which Gen Y and Z may find very difficult to locate in their repository. I will advise
15. those that find it difficult to understand or uninteresting to consider rewatching for at least two times by paying attention to details. They will surely have a rethink on how cinematic value the movie is among the classics in the Nigerian Movies Industry...
16. I respect the growth of Nigerian Artists over the years. They are beginning to project the truest manifestation of African History and Culture in their movies, which is the best thing to do, as it is done in the West and the East. There is need for @FMICNigeria to support
17. and promote this.
Obviously, the original Play text was written in an esoteric style, my 300 level students staged it earlier this year and I can tell the effort made by all crew members is highly commendable. Kudus to @NetflixNaija
Thank you for reading, retweets & likes
Obviously, the original Play text was written in an esoteric style, my 300 level students staged it earlier this year and I can tell the effort made by all crew members is highly commendable. Kudus to @NetflixNaija
Thank you for reading, retweets & likes
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