Witness Gospel Movie Reviews

“LOVE PRISON 4” REVIEW

It was a thing of joy when I got to know that “Love Prison 4” would be coming out much sooner than predicted from precedence. I am of the opinion that it is high time the word ‘Episode’ was attached to the movie, because the final part will be out a week after this fourth part, which maybe makes it an episode of some sort. So, what happens in this instalment?

To be sincere, I think I might have lost the plot of “Love Prison” because almost every unit of it now seems to be an appearance of the real thing, or a mirage. Most of the characters seem to be in one dilemma or the other, but what exactly are their situations? Have Kola and Bimpe made up or not? If they have, why the separation? John’s grievance against Kola is at best an assumption: one minute, they’re brothers, the next, they’re prosecutor and defendant; have they made up or not? An evil spirit bows before Kola one instance, the following one, Kola is afflicted; is Kola spiritually strong or not? The police says Kola is dead, the pastor says he’s in a coma; which one is it? Bimpe had earlier talked about having forgiven Kola, another time, she’s contemplating forgiving him; has she forgiven him or not? The juxtaposition of the rather numerous flashbacks with the events of “Love Prison 4” were confusing; are we in the present or the past? Even the theme songs are at loggerheads in terms of what they’re doing per time in the movie.

I am really looking forward to the final part because I hope it will make all things right, put everything in their proper place as the screenwriter may have constructed it. Nonetheless, I must commend at least, one of the classical pieces rendered in “Love Prison 4”. Fingers crossed to what “Love Prison 5” will deliver.

The link to the movie is https://youtu.be/tH5hEM13eYY

Till the next article, stay blessed!

Credits
Love Prison 4 (March 19, 2023)
55 minutes
GACEM Films

Cast
Seun Adejumobi as Kola
Olatunde Omowunmi as Bimpe
Toyin Huvenu as Grandma
Ayo Asiribo as John

Crew
Writers
Oluleke Ajagbe and Adeniyi Famewo
Cinematographers
Kehinde Aroke (Eklips) and Paul Faleye
Editor
Kehinde Aroke (Eklips)
Director
Adeniyi Famewo

“ISURA” REVIEW

“Isura” which translates “Treasure” tells the story of Johnson who is being maltreated by his mother. His challenges take him on a journey seeking security, only for him to find out that the one place that guarantees safety is the shelter of the Almighty. His perseverance under intense pressure and temptations are duly rewarded as he (re)gains treasures he never knew he had or was entitled to.

The pattern in “Isura” which took the sting out of its narrative as a whole is that characters just do things without any visible motivation. This was probably in order to tie it all up at the end, but that unfortunately leaves a trail of numerous questions in its wake. The most troubling for me were Deborah’s – Who is she? Why is she troubled? Why does she show her face to Funke at that time? – and John’s – Did he hit his head so hard (literally and metaphorically) that he’s now an unrepentant advocate for Johnson? How did that happen? The list goes on.

In the same vein, the ritualists’ aspect exceeds its relevance to the plot, while the appearance of his grandma in a dream/trance, the preaching of the word to him and his visit to a (maybe random) pastor are events that don’t align. In terms of temporal setting, “Isura” is situated almost a decade ago for no core reason.

At the end of the day, Johnson never really experiences an arc, which might have been the most powerful aspect of the story. Instead, he gets compensated with his mother and birthright. The kingship however was a bit of a stretch; it was an element that didn’t earn its place in “Isura”, for there hadn’t even been the slightest hint at nobility at any point in the film.

Despite all the plot hassles, the theme song was quite pleasurable. Perhaps, this was a directorial debut; hence, I believe subsequent productions will be much better.

The links to the movie are https://youtu.be/BwFcSHR2akE and https://youtu.be/Dt2yuzAc8vc

Till the next article, stay blessed!

Credits

Isura (March 18, 2023)
115 minutes
PREM Film Productions International

Cast
Victor Oladejo as Johnson
Deborah Adeola as Funke
Favour Otoji as John
Abiola Ojelabi as Deborah
Rebecca Femi Adebile as Iya Debo

Crew
Story
Victor Oladejo
Cinematographer
Francis Fashikun
Editor
Kekere
Director
Victor Oladejo

“30 PIECES” REVIEW

It’s not every time I get to capture a gospel movie in one word, but “30 Pieces” for me is simply BEAUTIFUL. Everything about it – the story, acting, cinematography, music, resolution and editing – is just beautiful. These are the moments I as a reviewer live for – a synthesis of the art, the eternal and the critique of filmmaking. Right from the first second, I felt I was about to watch something special. And I believe this can be the narrative for all gospel films, because I know it is the Lord’s Spirit that gives inspiration; it’s neither by our power, nor by our might.

Another word that may be used to describe “30 Pieces” is EXEMPLARY. Firstly, it’s a case study on the art of Opening Scenes – how to make them catchy. I almost shed a tear after seeing it because it was so well-executed. Also, it’s a sample of intelligent and purposeful sound design. Furthermore, there’s an element of filmmaking used in this movie that I consider genius – the art of misdirection. It was successfully applied on multiple occasions, and I think it’s a vital lesson to screenwriters (and editors) that films are made for audiences: The screenwriter should be in control of what the audience sees per time, so, we have to choose correctly. Screenwriting requires quite a lot of meticulous story crafting, which was given here, asides the DPO’s seeming ignorance of the first raid on Alade’s lair. These and many more enhance not only the watching experience, but the way in which the messages hit the heart.

One of the trivia stated about “30 Pieces” is that it’s the first Mount Zion motion picture that centres on the Nigerian Police Force, and it’s a welcome entry which shows us that even in that profession, a true believer would find expression of a divine sense of purpose, as portrayed wonderfully by Damilola Mike-Bamiloye’s Officer Emma. He ministers to his ‘next-door neighbours’ which gives an eternal edge to his job. Obi Pius Chioma’s Officer Collins is a worthy antihero and it’s rather sad to see what the devil does to his family; of course, he and his wife are culpable for aligning their choices with their enemy’s wishes.

Emma is not portrayed as a perfect man, as we see when he doesn’t obey the Holy Spirit’s voice. And he suffers for it for a while, before the seed of selflessness he has planted in the lives of others begins to speak for him. This showed me more vividly that the instructions God gives us are for our own good; they’re to keep us from danger, to teach and guide us in the best pathway for our lives. Standing on the side of righteousness in the midst of corrupt colleagues came with rewards for Emma, which makes us see that as long as we’re walking in God’s purpose for our lives, He’ll cause all things to work together for our good (Romans 8:28).

Since the release of “Abejoye Season 6”, there has been the novel insertion of logos in the end credits. These acknowledge the ministry, the production outfit and the music studios, which I believe, is a good move. At that point, I said to myself: this is what gospel movies should be – a production filled with moments that bless your spirit, touch your heart, and make you feel – cry or smile. “30 Pieces” is filled with many instances as these.

In conclusion, “30 Pieces” is worth every single minute of its runtime and is a rewarding viewing experience.

The link to the movie is https://youtu.be/JEXm0YN70MQ

Till the next article, stay blessed!

Film Credits

30 Pieces (March 19, 2023)
98 minutes
Mount Zion Film Productions

Cast
Damilola Mike-Bamiloye as Officer Emma
Obi Pius Chioma as Officer Collins
MoromOluwatiketike Abolaji as Sharon
Omolara Ayoola as Meg
Jide Ogunmilade as DPO
John Oguntuase as Officer Babatope
Adeola Jerry-Oluwagbemi as Officer Nwabueze
Joseph Opadele as Alade
Samuel Obikoya as Tega

Crew
Writer
Damilola Mike-Bamiloye
Cinematographer
Joshua Mike-Bamiloye
Editor
Francis Dairo
Music
Joshua Mike-Bamiloye
Directors
Damilola Mike-Bamiloye and John Oguntuase

“LOVE PRISON 3” REVIEW

“Love Prison 3” continues the story of Kola and Bimpe which has hardly seen rest since lift off two years ago. It’s a really sad situation because there has not been a moment of respite for the then newly-wedded couple. That is a glimpse into the commotion that secrecy in courtship can cause. It also points to the nature of storms different marriages could experience if the Lord Jesus is not the Head of that home. May the Lord make our homes godly ones and give us peace on every side in Jesus’ name.

I appreciate the producers of “Love Prison” because they have been consistent with their February releases for three years now, especially with their proximity to Valentine’s Day. I’d always thought that it was a movie geared towards the Christian love genre, but with this third instalment, I am beginning to wonder if I wasn’t mistaken. This is because it seems to have added the crime genre to its retinue.

“Love Prison 3” starts with a nearly fifteen-minute recap of previous parts, which maybe exposes a core fault in the franchise so far – the lack of resolution. Though the ending of the first part was open-ended, it was fairly conclusive. The next two ones have however seemed like episodes of a season, and in stranger ways, entire seasons of a series. This is chiefly because this third part introduces an entirely new plot with new characters, presumably to heighten the conflict or cause suspense – a move that’s caused numerous plot holes that may affect the very premise the entire movie is built on.

The protagonist couple that got me interested in the story are now barely recognisable as one any longer, and the cliff hanger at the end of Part 2 was barely referenced in Part 3. I daresay this is almost no longer “Love Prison” because, I see a mile away, almost every twist inserted in it to expand the conflict. I only hope that when the Part 4 is released next February (based on precedence), resolutions will be brought to the conflicts on ground, rather than new ones being added.

The link to the movie is https://youtu.be/kgOBHXQfnG4

Till the next article, stay blessed!

Credits
Love Prison 3 (February 12, 2023)
66 minutes
GACEM Films

Cast
Seun Adejumobi as Kola
Olatunde Omowunmi as Bimpe
Toyin Huvenu as Grandma
Ayo Asiribo as John

Crew
Writer
–
Cinematographers
Kehinde Aroke (Eklips) and Paul Faleye
Editor
Kehinde Aroke (Eklips)
Director
Adeniyi Famewo

“NO BIG DEAL” REVIEW

“No Big Deal” is another entry in the ‘devil’s child’ theme, if I might term it that, but it focuses on the child, rather than the parent(s). This child is Daniel, played energetically by Gabriel Adeosun, as he seeks to stop his enforced monthly donation of blood to the coven. I would like to think that with the amount of material available from Christian movies in this aspect of life, it’s crystal clear that the devil adds sorrow to anything he gives a man, for those who seek him for it. May the Lord God Almighty open the eyes of our understanding that we may seek Him alone.

I liked the concept behind the costumes used for characters in the spiritual realm, in the first scene of the movie. Also, “No Big Deal” shows the benefits of having good friends who would take our matters as theirs. What made the greatest impression on me was the instructive illustration the film gives of how to EFFECTIVELY deal with someone that’s crushing on you, especially in the secondary school. I believe godly children would find that very useful.

That said, “No Big Deal” does something unusual by giving us mostly full-fledged characters. The implication of this is that they don’t undergo a journey of growth and so, experience no arc, which makes the viewer’s knowledge of the characters superficial at best. In a similar vein, I’d opine that characterisation has to be better done so that a ‘minor’ character doesn’t take the shine off the protagonist, in this case Baba Opako’s theatrics being mildly distracting for me. Also, since we don’t see a younger version of him, I think casting an older person would have been more credible in that instance. Furthermore, the sound design, particularly the movie’s two main background tunes severally used, nullified rather than enhanced what might have been the film’s entertainment value.

At the end of the day, a nice twist, if you will, provides a thoroughly conclusive, victorious and light-hearted finale for “No Big Deal”.
The link to the movie is https://youtu.be/M0xVN_2-dhU

Till the next article, stay blessed!

Credits

No Big Deal (February 5, 2023)
64 minutes
PREM Film Production International

Cast
Gabriel Adeosun as Daniel
Florence Afolabi as Omolayo
Femi Adebile as Baba Opako
Joshua Oladejo as Bolu
Eunice Adepoju as Josephine
Julius Adeboyo Elekpor as Mad man

Crew
Writer
Femi Adebile
Cinematographers
Fashikun Francis and Tobi Areo
Editor
Fashikun Francis
Director
Femi Adebile

“IMPOSSIBLE” REVIEW

“For with God, nothing shall be impossible” goes Luke 1:37, and that is the message drummed into the ears and hearts of the audience of the movie “Impossible”. God specialises in doing things that fall into this category and whenever that happens, there is renewed reverence of Him in man’s heart. Such are the circumstances presented in this film and it enlightened me further on the reason for this – God’s word will never fail. And when we align with it in spite of our circumstances, then we encounter joy unspeakable. No matter how many times the devil declares “It’s not possible” over our lives as children of God, our Heavenly Father has the final say.

One thing I looked forward to when the publicity of this movie began last year was seeing the Adepoju siblings acting side by side, as portrayed in a rather dull poster picture. They act David and Joy here, a couple-to-be, and I feel that though they are the protagonists in concept, we don’t see enough of their relationship in “Impossible”. This could have been achieved through a character set-up where we witness a bit of how they met, thus providing an opportunity for us to know who they are. Hence, the chemistry was not really there in my opinion.

In conclusion, though the forces against them in “Impossible” made boast of their evil decrees, we see that no man can stand against the Lord and win. If they don’t bow, they’ll most likely be crushed. Hallelujah!

The link to the movie is https://youtu.be/fo5x74i0_7Q

Till the next article, stay blessed!

Impossible (January 27, 2023 [YouTube Release])
69 minutes
Victory Drama Group

Cast
Victor Adepoju as David
Mercy Adepoju as Joy
Feyi Adepoju as Iya Adua
Yemi Adepoju as Daddy David
Shade Fadiji as Mummy David
Seyi Fadiji as Pastor
Yinka Akintola as Baba

Crew
Writer
Yemi Adepoju
Cinematographer
Sesan Afolayan
Editor
Seyi Fadiji
Directors
Yemi Adepoju and Olufemi Olusina

“HOT JUDGEMENT” REVIEW

“Hot Judgement” is a movie that presents a picture of the untold agony of those who choose the broad way in their lives on earth. It comprises harrowing tales of how different people missed the path of light and why they landed in outer darkness where there is “weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 8:12). We see that the wicked here on the earth will ultimately get what they deserve in the life after. It’s an eternal experience no one would want to have, and so, it is essential we live godly now.

Some of the subjects of “Hot Judgement” were people who had been saved but were cast into the fire for one sin or the other. I don’t have perfect understanding about whether singular sins lead to hell but the Scriptures say all unrighteousness is sin (1John 5:17) – both not doing what God wants and doing what He doesn’t want. John 16:8 makes it clear though that the Holy Spirit would convict the world of sin because people DO NOT BELIEVE IN JESUS. That is the real gospel – that believing in Jesus saves us from sin so that we would have eternal life, which is knowing God and the Son whom He has sent (John 17:3).

So, why might some believers end up in hell? Matthew 6:23 tells us that some people think they have light, which actually is darkness. Matthew 15:8 clarifies that such people honour God with their lips but their hearts are far from Him, and so, they can SAY (as in Matthew 7:21) “Lord! Lord!” Luke 6:46 details the Lord’s concern about them because they don’t DO WHAT HE WANTS; they don’t ACTUALLY DO THE WILL OF THE FATHER (Matthew 7:21b) even though they prophesy, cast out demons and perform many miracles in Jesus’ name (Matthew 7:22). What then do we do to not be in this class? Jesus says that when we come to Him, we must LISTEN to His teaching and FOLLOW it; we must DO GOD’S WILL (Luke 6:47). It is therefore sacrosanct that we follow God’s plans for our lives and stay on the path He’s put us on. I think that’s a better way to consider this, rather than singling out sins, because we definitely cannot see all our wrongs (Psalm 19:12).

With regard to the filmmaking aspect, I would almost say that “Hot Judgement” has no story. From precedence, special care needs to be taken when a film aims and claims to ‘reveal mysteries’ because then, the onus is on the producers to come up with something truly profound, inexplicable and almost beyond understanding. Not doing this causes the story to suffer, which would then usually lead to a drab affair. Most characters in this film tell their stories and two random visualisations are used; there is no real human to care about, and the background tune is in a similar state.

Of course, the theme should be accorded utmost seriousness, but quality movie production that engages the audience should not be compromised. The power of credible visual effects and appropriate settings was probably underestimated as they were below-par and almost momentarily laughable. Most cringeworthy for me was the live crude decapitation of a fowl which left me in disbelief, because I feel the portrayal of any obscenity in a faith-based film ought to be discreet.

Suffice to say, “Hot Judgement” was devoid of any tact, and I hope that subsequently, crucial messages like this are handled with technicality and a touch of finesse, thereby ministering better to audiences.

The links to the movie are https://youtu.be/PE8flqQEbbI and https://youtu.be/6nmZIZ7qNEc

Till the next article, stay blessed!

Credits

Hot Judgement (March 13, 2023 [Re-release])
51 minutes
LIGOFEM International Film Production

Cast
Timmy Adebola as Julius
Jide Ogunmilade as Angel
Sam Aliu as Deacon Owolabi
Deborah Adeola as Deaconness
Seun Oni as Deacon Bolaji
Segun Badejo as Mr Dapo

Crew
Writer
Olaniyi Samuel Oladiran NSO
Cinematographer
Kunle Adepoju
Editor
Abidemi Emmanuel
Director
Olaniyi Samuel Oladiran NSO

“ENOCH” REVIEW

How to even start this review! It’s quite a herculean task separating this movie package from the real-life content. I’ve seen it quite a number of times now and it almost feels new on each viewing. It blesses my heart each time and I could almost stop this video here to go and have another brief watch. Such is the impact Enoch, the long-awaited biopic of my father-in-the-Lord, Pastor E.A. Adeboye, has on me. Nevertheless, I will attempt to put my critique of it into coherent expressions.

Filmmaking is fundamentally a team effort, but to have two teams working together to deliver a production of this magnitude lifts my spirit. Solid Rock Foundation and Mount Zion Film Productions have shown the power of partnership and pooling of resources. In almost every crew department are at least two individuals who are experienced in what they do, all in a bid to ensure that the movie came out as the best it could. Enoch has made biopics become the desire of audiences now, as many have made the request to have other notable, proven men of God on the big screen in earnest. That’s quite a challenge and I pray that the needed executive producers, giants of industries and financiers of such big projects are going to rise to fund these great meals whose return on investment that transcends the present world. The right collaboration gets more done better.

Every time I’ve sat to watch Enoch, I feel the aura of a cinema, and this is because it’s written as a cinematic story by Damilola Mike-Bamiloye; nothing else would have sufficed to tell the history of this general of faith. The title montage by Samuel Obikoya was majestic and the film scores (and quite a number they are) by Jay-Mikee contributed to the grandeur of the production. The lines, costuming (particularly for females), set design, cinematography and editing make it a visual feast. Drama ministers from different generations put their hands on deck to make it an excellent one. Even Daddy G.O, as he is fondly called, was said to have seen the movie three times to ensure historical accuracy. Some names in the end credits with the tag “First Shoot” indicates that a good number of scenes shot were not eventually in the final movie, as you might have noticed from its two trailers. This is the first Christian movie to have two official trailers online in the week of its release (Gbemi 2: The Waiting Room had hers months apart). These signify the sheer level of effort invested in this motion picture.

I appreciate the plotting of Enoch very much. On a general note, I like protagonist-driven stories, and a plot that is all over the place usually disorients my structure-based film mind. We see a cause-effect depiction of Adejare’s story that denotes a chronological sequence of his life; hence, the “chapterisation” greatly helps the viewer to keep track of key details in the multitude of events that must have happened in his life. This is not to say that there cannot be elements to spice it up here and there but the basics have to be done right. Inevitably, there are many heart-warming moments in the biopic, such as his father’s sacrifice to fund his education. I think genuine filmic instances have the power to make indelible impressions on viewers’ minds and Enoch delivers some for us.

The median chapter “Meeting Foluke”, I suspect, is one many would have been very interested in seeing. Though Enoch never really agrees with his friends as being a ladies’ man, and the movie doesn’t give any real visual detail to support that information, the seriousness of his intentions for Foluke cannot be denied. Chapter 4 “Way Out” personally ministered to me as I’d always “wished” I’d known Jesus before I did, in the university. While it’s good to know the Lord early, of more importance is what we do afterwards. Daddy G.O. came to God after he had been married with children, in his thirties, and see just how much the Lord has used him to impact the world! That’s very encouraging for me, and the concluding “Test of Faith” projects Enoch’s simple obedience to God’s instructions and sincere desire to know Him. If we all, who claim to be children of the Most High, likewise yield to Him, He’ll make us a city set on a hill, which cannot be hidden.

Much more than I’ve seen the entire movie are power-filled sequences I’ve severally re-watched, such as the ‘Prayer Rumble’ scene in Tulsa and what is surely going to be one of the best closing scenes from 2023 movies – where the film translates into real-life, with Daddy G.O. getting up from his seat in tandem with the score “Dide” (Rise up), and the voice of Daddy Akindayomi declaring prophecies in the background. What a moment! That just about sums it all up, folks! Zechariah 8:13b (NLT) says that God will make us both a symbol and a source of blessing; if we surrender our lives to the One who created us and loves us (and we’re blessed to have an example in our times in Enoch Adejare Adeboye), that will be our portion, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

If you’ve seen Enoch, please share with me the blessings you received from it in the comments section below.

The links to the movie are https://youtu.be/jMequZsq-AA https://youtu.be/2c5AkQMjGMg

Till the next article, stay blessed!

Enoch (March 2, 2023)
118 minutes
Solid Rock Foundation and Mount Zion Film Productions

Cast
Adeola Abolaji as Enoch III
Tomiwa Grace Samson as Foluke
Mike Bamiloye as Daddy Akindayomi
Gloria Bamiloye as Mummy Akindayomi
‘Shola Mike Agboola as Grandpa

Crew
Concept
Cyprianah Oluwakemi Sodeinde
Screenplay
Damilola Mike-Bamiloye
Cinematographer
Damilola Mike-Bamiloye
Editors
Ruth Adepoju, Festus Dairo, Francis Dairo
Directors
John Oguntuase and Damilola Mike-Bamiloye

“BOPE BOYA” REVIEW

It’s been said that no one watches a movie without a measure of expectation – the poster picture, trailer and other forms of publicity ensure that. The term ‘movie’ or ‘film’ generally suggests a feature-length motion picture. On occasion, I’ve been momentarily disillusioned whenever such advertised productions happen to be shorts or series, unless when stated prior to release. I’m not saying the latter two are inferior, but I believe our expectations as audience should be guided as much as possible. At the end of what turned out to be the first episode of “Bope Boya” though, I had been hooked to the story and was happy that it had relatable human characters in the Niran family, and I was eager to find out in subsequent episodes how they would navigate through their pitiful circumstances despite being ministers of God.

Although Pastor Niran’s story conformed to the minister-of-God movie trope, “Bope Boya” treats it in a positively different way to many that have come before it. The mini-series also looks like an upgrade in terms of sound design from the production outfit, which contributed significantly to its engaging tone. The subtitles were conscientiously done, though their italicised form was a misapplication. The introduction of B-story characters such as Pastor Tunde and the enigmatic Pastor Paul strengthened the story, and the series was well and truly underway in the second episode.

Not long after however, there was a rather sharp shift in direction – from hero to antihero, from the unique to the familiar, from Reverend Adesoji the discipler to Reverend Adesoji the commentator, from Pastor Niran to Pastor Paul, who bore so much charismatic resemblance to Warrior in “Scar of Desires”. Likewise, the newly-introduced Daniel was strikingly similar in setting and costume to a character in “The Keeper 5”, and for a little while, I wondered if I was still watching the “Bope Boya” that got my attention weeks before, or the aforementioned movies. Niran’s wife was gone and their daughter seemed to have vanished into thin air. Switching narratives within a single movie isn’t too good for filmic story telling in my opinion. Also, a showdown-turned-show-off between two agents of darkness was disconcerting for me. In any case, I just had to get to the end to know what would happen to my beloved Pastor Niran.

To my greatest delight however, the best thing about “Bope Boya” is its solid finale. It was power-filled and packed with sound lessons, impressively because we could SEE them, rather than them being solely conveyed through high-sounding expressions that aren’t easily understood. It’s ironical that it’s the same unnervingly-familiar boy and his father who graced the screen with their confidence in God’s power. I believe everyone would agree with me that their portrayal is quite an apotheosis of firebrands in holiness, which genuine children of God need to be. Some things I noticed about child upbringing from Daniel’s parents will undoubtedly stay with me for a long time.

Pastor Niran still comes into the picture at the end of “Bope Boya”, and I believe that with a bit more focused storytelling, its second season will take the series up another notch. All in all, “Bope Boya” is a wonderful mini-series you’ll enjoy and that will bless you.

The links to the series are below: https://youtu.be/eFtwxUj25KA https://youtu.be/OyF1iHyAe1E https://youtu.be/hEKYyCiOczY https://youtu.be/JazQGINsa1o

Till the next article, stay blessed!

Bope Boya (February 19 to March 12, 2023)
58 minutes/episode (avg)
PREM Film Productions International

Cast
Moses Korede Are as Pastor Niran
Olubunmi Bamitale as Foluke
Femi Adebile as Pastor Paul
Isaac Femi-Akintunde as Pastor Tunde
Favour Otoji as Daniel
Paul Oluwadamilola as Kuluso
Sola Oyin Adejobi as Reverend Adesoji

Crew
Writer
Femi Adebile
Cinematographer
Francis Fashikun
Director
Adeoye Omoniyi

“BOISTEROUS WIND” REVIEW

“Boisterous Wind” is a Christian movie that aims to depict the dispositions believers may have to some of life’s challenges and their consequences. This perception by the reviewer is based on the film’s title, because on one hand, it has a promising protagonist in Gideon, played by Timmy Adebola, a music minister frustrated out of church and who yields to the pressure to begin what God didn’t instruct him to. The film then tells another story of a couple, David and Bimpe, which has nothing to do with the former at any point. A perusal of the textual trio of Scriptures at the end informs the conclusion that the writer ultimately chased two rabbits, and the result was expectedly two dissimilar plots in one motion picture.

What I felt the most in “Boisterous Wind” was a genuine moment involving a doctor who reached an epiphany in being thankful to God in all circumstances. That also placed Bimpe in an exalted position of spirituality. Unfortunately, this glimmer ends just there because there is little or no character development in the film. They just do things; we don’t know what within them informs their words or actions. Hence, there’s hardly any real character to be emotionally invested in.

The “Show, Don’t Tell” principle of story writing is grossly flouted in “Boisterous Wind”. Virtually every detail that could have spiced up the movie, such as Gideon’s activities as a music minister and his performance as a pastor, are sacrificed on the altar of exposition. I’m not saying the film needs to be longer (definitely not!) but a filmmaker chooses what is important to engage the audience and kills his darlings, if need be. An addendum to this ‘telling’ is the overused eavesdropping element to determine key events – a move that begs belief in the long run. Also, there ought to have been a better contrastive depiction of the physical world and spiritual realm, and at the end of the day, it was undeterminable for me.

I opine that going forward, movie producers need to see filmmaking as a cohesive whole. It’s not just about narrating individual events and recording them on video; it’s an art that requires attention be given to every aspect of the production process, in order to deliver a solid story with clarity of the message from God to the viewer.

The link to the movie https://youtu.be/x00lqyAIMko

Till the next article, stay blessed!

Boisterous Wind (March 12, 2023)
62 minutes
The Radiant Grace Ministries

Cast
Timmy Adebola as Gideon
Bunmi Aremu as Moyomola
Olujide Adedeji as David
Lola Oyejide as Bimpe

Crew
Cinematographer
Tobi Areo
Editor
Tobi Areo
Writer&Director
Paul Aremu