“Ijogbon” movie was written by Tunde Babalola, and directed and produced by Kunle Afolayan. It was released on October 13, 2023 and runs for an hour and fifty-four minutes.
Cast
Fawaz Aina, Ebiesuwa Oluwaseyi, Ruby Akubueze, Kayode Ojuolape Jnr, Yemi Sodimu, Yemi Solade, Sam Dede, Bimbo Manuel, Femi Adebayo, Gabriel Afolayan, Adunni Ade, and others.
Plot
Similar to films like “Mamba’s Diamond” and “Diamond Ring“, Kunle Afolayan’s “Ijogbon” explores a story centred around diamonds, but it takes a unique and captivating narrative approach.
The movie is visually stunning and showcases innovative storytelling techniques.
Kunle Afolayan, known for his work on Nollywood classics like “October 1st“, “Citation“, “Swallow“, and “Aníkúlápó“, introduces new talents in “Ijogbon“.
The title of the film, “Ijogbon”, holds deep Yoruba meanings, signifying stubbornness, troubles, chaos, turmoil, and heated arguments, which aptly reflects the film’s action and conflict portrayed by the director.
The film begins with a captivating folktale that intertwines with the lives of four friends – Oby, Jamiu, Ranti, and Omooba – who live in the quiet town of Oyo Oke.
Their lives take an unexpected turn when they stumble upon a bag of uncut diamonds. With this newfound wealth, they dream of escaping their modest lives for a better future.
Oby, raised by a single mother; Jamiu, the son of the school Principal; Ranti, the son of the town pastor; and Omooba, the King’s son, all yearn to leave Nigeria for better opportunities.
Their chance to leave, often referred to as ‘Japa,’ comes when they find the bag of uncut diamonds.
The owners of the diamonds pose as investors interested in a community development project. But are actually searching for their stolen gems.
The film weaves a moonlight tale about the diamonds and how they caused conflict among the people, turning the friends’ dreams into a nightmare.
The story explores how they handle the consequences of their discovery and whether it will affect their friendship.
Character Analysis
“Ijogbon” features a talented young cast, including Fawaz Aina as Omo Oba, Ebiesuwa Oluwaseyi as Ranti, Kayode Ojuolape as Jamiu, and Ruby Akubueze as Oby.
These emerging actors display excellent on-screen chemistry, portraying friendship authentically.
The film also benefits from industry veterans like Sam Dede, Bimbo Manuel, Gabriel Afalayan, and Femi Branch, blending their experience with the younger generation.
Notably, Dorothy Bachor from BBNaija fame joins the cast, and her role in “Ijogbon” complements her physical attributes and expressive gestures, making her a good fit for the film.
Setting | Narrative Techniques
The movie’s setting goes beyond just the location; it also conveys when, where, and how it impacts the story, which “Ijogbon” explores extensively.
The film is set in a secluded city near Oyo State, bordering Benin Republic, highlighting the characters’ desire to leave Nigeria.
The tough life of the characters is mirrored in the harsh village surroundings, evoking sympathy for their aspirations, a detail well presented in the movie’s setting.
“Ijogbon” uses a narrative technique that blends a folktale with a contemporary story, creating an engaging narrative.
The film employs circular storytelling, circling back to an elder’s cautionary tale, creating a rhythmic narrative clouded by newfound riches.
“Ijogbon” stands out for its commitment to authenticity, with real-life activities and extras giving the movie a profound sense of realism.
Genre
The “Ijogbon” movie genre is a subject of debate – it starts as a subtle comedy and swiftly transitions into dramatic conflicts, misunderstandings, and betrayals caused by the diamonds.
Unlike typical comedies, “Ijogbon” takes a serious and sombre approach, making viewers genuinely worried about the children’s fate.
The film effectively weaves historical truths into our socio-cultural fabric, highlighting the commonality of human nature and our collective response to significant, life-altering events.
Thematic Review
The film’s coming-of-age narrative involves not just the young characters but also their families, emphasizing the idea that actions have consequences, some of which can be fatal.
While there is humour in the story, it takes a backseat to the seriousness of the unfolding events, leading the film into a deeper exploration of human nature.
“Ijogbon” maintains a brisk pace, making it suitable for a single-sitting viewing, keeping the audience engaged and eager for the next plot twist and character outcomes.
The film’s overarching message is a coming-of-age story about four teenagers who find hidden diamonds, leading them into a complex journey marked by secrets, friendship, and the pursuit of freedom.
It also portrays a love story, particularly the chemistry between Jamiu and Oby, which goes beyond friendship and can be easily missed.
As with his other works, Afolayan delves into cultural depth in “Ijogbon,” using Yoruba and some Igbo language, and portraying religion through Sam Dede’s pastor character. The film also features well-fitted aesthetic costumes.
Flops
Identifying a flaw in this movie is extremely challenging, much like finding a needle in a haystack.
The movie’s strength lies in its ability to convey a relatable and familiar storyline with beautiful narration and interpretation.
Nevertheless, the film leaves us with unresolved questions: What happened to Omo0ba, and did the friendship recover after the diamond incident? These unanswered queries might be a deliberate move by the writer to leave the audience in suspense, reminiscent of “Ijogbon”.
Some incidents appear to happen out of nowhere, like when they were in the forest trying to rescue Omooba, there was a scene where one of the teenagers said there was no network signal there. This was after he had taken a call from one of Omooba’s kidnappers.
Rating: 7.5/10.
It’s enjoyable on the first viewing but may feel different the second time.
You can watch it on Netflix now.
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