MOVIES

‘Five Came Back’ and changed Hollywood’s depiction of war

Published

8 years ago

March 30, 2017

William Wyler lost his hearing, George Stevens never made another comedy, and John Huston suffered what is now known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after years of filming scenes of death and destruction.

The three directors, along with Frank Capra and John Ford, were not the only ones changed by their experiences documenting World War Two.

Hollywood itself was also changed, the documentary “Five Came Back” shows, bringing a new realism to way the war was depicted in the movies and its effects on those who served and those who stayed behind.

“The toll the war took on these men was profound,” said Mark Harris, author of “Five Came Back” that was adapted for the documentary.

Their experiences making documentaries and short films “gave them an appetite for independence and autonomy and (made them) strive harder for realism and immediacy in their Hollywood features,” Harris added.

“Five Came Back,” released on Netflix on Friday, tells the stories of the war time directors and adds commentary by modern filmmakers Steven Spielberg, Francis Ford Coppola, Paul Greengrass, Guillermo Del Toro and Lawrence Kasdan.

Although none of the five signed up for combat, all left successful careers and saw action during their years filming many of World War Two’s biggest turning points.

The decision to document the war “came from General George Marshall’s belief that Hollywood filmmakers could grab people’s hearts in a way that newsreel films couldn’t,” said Harris.

Before the United States entered the war, “audiences were very used to a sterilized Hollywood war, with bloodless combat,” Spielberg reflects in the documentary.

Wyler, Capra, Huston, Ford and Stevens, however, captured the grim realities of battle in the North African campaign, at D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge, as well as the liberation of Paris and Rome and the horrors of Dachau.

Returning to Hollywood, the men’s careers took different turns. Wyler’s portrait of mentally and physically disabled veterans in “The Best Years of Our Lives” won seven Oscars in 1947.

Capra made the sentimental “It’s a Wonderful Life” in 1946 which, while now regarded as a classic favorite, was a huge flop and crushed his spirit.

Stevens, a master of musical comedies in the 1930s, created film from the liberation of the Dachau extermination camp that was used at the Nuremberg war crimes trials. He was so shaken by what he had seen that he abandoned comedies and went on to make serious movies like “The Diary of Anne Frank.”

MOVIES

Watch The Trailer For Toyin Abraham’s Upcoming Movie, “Alakada: Bad And Boujee”

Published

3 days ago

December 16, 2024

Reporter

Watch the ‘Alakada: Bad and Boujee’ Movie Trailer | fab.ng

Renowned Nollywood filmmaker and actress Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi has unveiled the official trailer for her highly anticipated December film, “Alakada: Bad and Boujee.”

Leveraging her substantial social media platform, Ajeyemi strategically announced the trailer’s release through her Instagram account.

“From the glamour of social media to real life’s grit! Alakada is about to take the wildest ride of her life!

“Buckle up for the most unpredictable action-comedy of the year!” the post said.

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A post shared by Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi (@toyin_abraham)

Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi continues her successful “Alakada” franchise with the upcoming release “Alakada: Bad and Boujee.” Further, this marks the fifth instalment in a series that has captivated Nigerian audiences since its 2009 debut.

Moreover, the franchise has consistently evolved. Previous iterations were in 2013 (“Alakada 2“), 2017 (“Alakada Reloaded“), and 2020 (“Fate of Alakada: The Party Planner“).

Throughout the series, Abraham portrays Yetunde, a young woman from a modest background who compensates for her socioeconomic insecurities by fabricating elaborate stories about her financial and social status.

Additionally, this narrative thread has been a consistent hallmark of the franchise. The movie resonates with audiences through its nuanced exploration of social dynamics.

Directed by Adebayo Tijani, the new film features a stellar ensemble cast including Abraham herself, alongside prominent actors Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori, Odunlade Adekola, and Bimbo Ademoye.

Furthermore, the production leverages the collective star power of these performers to enhance the film’s appeal.

Abraham’s cinematic journey began in 2003 when she first shared the screen with veteran actress Bukky Wright. Subsequently, she has established herself as a multifaceted talent.

She not only acted in but also directed numerous Nigerian films, including “Ijakumo: The Born Again Stripper,” “The Ghost and the Tout,” and “Prophetess.”

Her exceptional talent has been consistently recognised in the industry. Notably, she was nominated for the African Movie Academy Awards’ Best Supporting Actress for “Esohe” in 2018.

Furthermore, she secured the Best Actress in a Drama award at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards for “Elevator Baby” in 2020 and received a Best Supporting Actress nomination at the Best of Nollywood Awards for “Ebimi ni” in 2013.

Check out more updates here.

MOVIES

Jade Osiberu’s Latest Feature, “Christmas In Lagos” Premieres In Lagos

Published

3 days ago

December 16, 2024

Reporter

Christmas In Lagos: Jade Osiberu’s latest feature | fab.ng

Just when you think Lagos can’t dazzle more, it raises the bar with a red-carpet movie premiere!

Two nights ago, the city’s entertainment elite gathered for the highly anticipated premiere of Christmas in Lagos, the latest cinematic treat by the renowned Jade Osiberu. This wasn’t just another event; it was the event.

The red carpet buzzed with style and elegance. Icons like Shaffy Bello, the suave Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), and the radiant Teniola Aladese turned heads with their striking outfits.

Lagos fashion delivered with a flourish—sequins, velvets, tuxedos, and floor-length gowns dominated the scene. Every attendee brought their best to honour Osiberu’s remarkable return to the big screen.

Jade Osiberu, famed for thrillers like Brotherhood and Gangs of Lagos, took a surprising turn with Christmas in Lagos.

Moving away from guns and gang wars, this romantic comedy explores love, family, and life’s emotional complexities. Judging by the premiere’s buzz, Osiberu has once again hit the mark.

Unlike her past adrenaline-fuelled dramas, this film delivers warmth and connection. It’s a festive tale about romance, laughter, and the bittersweet moments that define relationships.

The story captures the heart of the holiday season, offering an uplifting experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

From the first scene, the production quality shines. The visuals burst with holiday cheer, showcasing Lagos in all its festive brilliance.

Every frame reflects meticulous attention to detail, from vibrant sets to authentic costumes. The result? A visual feast that immerses you in the magic of Christmas.

The soundtrack stands out too. It seamlessly blends Afrobeat rhythms with classic holiday melodies, enhancing the film’s emotional beats.

Whether it’s a light-hearted romance or a poignant family moment, the music draws you in, perfectly complementing the story.

The effort behind Christmas in Lagos is undeniable. This isn’t a rushed production; it’s a carefully crafted masterpiece. Osiberu spares no expense in delivering a movie that feels rich, polished, and heartfelt.

Looking for a film to make you laugh, cry, and embrace the spirit of Christmas? Christmas in Lagos is a must-watch.

It’s a beautiful reminder of what the holidays are truly about—love, family, and meaningful connections.

Check out more movie updates here.

MOVIES

“Everybody Loves Jenifa” Sells Out Ahead Of UK Premiere On December 20

Published

1 week ago

December 10, 2024

Reporter

Everybody Loves Jenifa sells out ahead of UK premiere | fab.ng

Everybody Loves Jenifa has already sold out its UK premiere on December 20, 2024, even before the release date. Nile Media Entertainment, the film’s international distributor, shared this exciting news on their Instagram page.

This means that UK cinemas have reached full capacity for the premiere, indicating high anticipation and demand for the movie.

“Yayyyyy, Everybody Loves Jenifa December 20th UK premiere is SOLD OUT. Congratulations @funkejenifaakindele, congratulations, Jenifans. But more screens have been added,” the post said.

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A post shared by Nile Entertainment (@thenileentertainment)

Earlier this week, Nile Media Entertainment announced a significant deal. They acquired the rights to distribute the movie “Everybody Loves Jenifa” across six continents. However, FilmOne Entertainment will continue to handle local distribution in Nigeria.

To build anticipation, Nile Media introduced an innovative voucher system called “Atlas by Reach.” This system, first used with Omoni Oboli’s “The Uprising: Wives on Strike 3,” allows fans to purchase vouchers ahead of the movie’s release.

“Everybody Loves Jenifa” is set to hit cinemas nationwide on December 13th. This comedy-drama promises a nostalgic experience filled with humor, building on the beloved franchise.

Following the record-breaking success of “A Tribe Called Judah,” Funke Akindele’s latest film is generating immense excitement.

The movie will feature familiar faces like Falz, Omotunde ‘Lolo’ Adebowale-David, and Olayode Juliana, alongside newcomers Chimezie Imo, Layi Wasabi, Bisola Aiyeola, Jackie Appiah, and Omowunmi Dada.

Check out more updates here.