‘A Tribe Called Judah‘ takes viewers on a journey through the deep relationships of a Nigerian family, expertly integrating aspects of drama, comedy, and suspense.
Movie Title: A Tribe Called Judah
Running Time: 2 hours, 14 minutes
Release Date: December 15, 2023
Directors: Adeoluwa Owu, Funke Akindele-Bello
Producer: Funke Akindele-Bello
Cast: Funke Akindele, Jide Kene Achufusi, Timini Egbuson, Uzee Usman, Tobi Makinde, Olumide Oworu, Ebelle Okaro, Uzor Arukwe, Nse Ikpe Etim, Genoveva Umeh, Faithia Williams, Nosa Rex, Greg Ojefua, Ibrahim Yekini, and Boma Akpore.
Over the last three years, Funke Akindele has consistently set new records and achieved significant milestones with her blockbuster films, such as ‘Omo Ghetto the Saga‘ (2020) and ‘Battle on the Buka Street‘ (2022).
Both films have been recognised as the highest-grossing films in Nollywood history, with ‘Omo Ghetto the Saga’ generating over ₦636 million and ‘Battle on the Buka Street’ surpassing ₦668 million at the box office.
Continuing her successful run, Funke Akindele’s latest Christmas release, ‘A Tribe Called Judah,’ has once again created history by achieving the largest opening for both a Funke Akindele film and a Nollywood production, collecting ₦122 million at the box office in less than two weeks. This information is based on the records of the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria.
‘A Tribe Called Judah’ is a family drama that resonates with the audience on multiple levels. Without exaggeration, it’s fair to say that Funke Akindele has surpassed her standards with this production.
The story revolves around an intriguing conflict in a low-to-middle-income family. Raised by a single mother, five sons with different fathers depict the familiar dynamics of good, bad, ugly, and worst experiences inherent in every family.
The Plot
The movie begins with Jedidah Judah, a single mother of five boys, starting her day with morning prayers. After praying, she anoints pictures of her sons, seeking God’s protection over them.
Jedidah is portrayed as not only a prayerful mother but also a strong and supportive pillar in her community. Her reputation is built on hard work and supportive roles within her neighbourhood.
In terms of support, Jedidah had assisted Linda, a woman in the community, in starting a small pepper business. However, this act did not sit well with Linda’s husband, Papa Michael, who destroyed the business and physically abused Linda.
When Jedidah intervened, Papa Michael redirected his aggression towards her, calling her names and threatening to harm her. Unfortunately, he slapped her in the presence of her youngest child, Ejiro. Without hesitation, Ejiro immediately contacted his brothers, collectively known as the tribe called Judah.
Emeka, the eldest son, works as a sales representative at a mall. His father, Kalu, impregnated Jedidah and then relocated, leaving Emeka to be raised by his grandmother.
Adamu, the second son, is a security guard at the mall. His father, Bako, from Kano, rejected Jedidah due to religious differences, leading to his departure and subsequent remarriage in Kano.
Shina, the third child, has a troubled past as a hoodlum. His father, Lekan, was a lesson teacher to his elder siblings and eloped with Jedidah after Shina’s birth.
Pere, the fourth child, engages in petty theft. His father, Boma, married Jedidah but passed away.
The youngest son, Ejiro, is a painter and a lover-boy born from a bar romance and a one-night stand during a difficult time in Jedidah’s life.
Despite the diverse backgrounds of the children, the family faces a crisis when Jedidah’s health deteriorates due to consuming unhealthy sachet-packed spirit drinks. She develops kidney disease, and her children must raise N18 million for her operation and N100,000 weekly for dialysis. Complicating matters, Emeka loses his job while trying to care for his mother’s health.
In a desperate attempt to save their mother, the siblings decide to rob Emeka’s ex-boss, known for money laundering. The story unfolds as they navigate through challenges in pursuit of their goal.
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Character Analysis
The core of the movie revolves around the compelling theme of a single mother dealing with challenging children, resonating strongly with both the audience and the actors in ‘A Tribe Called Judah’.
The film brings together a diverse cast of Nollywood performers from different ethnic backgrounds to portray the united family of Judah. The siblings, listed in descending order, include Emeka (Jide Kene Achufusi), Adamu (Uzee Usman), Shina (Tobi Makinde), Pere (Timini Egbuson), and Ejiro (Olumide Oworu).
Jide Kene Achufusi, known for his roles as Nnamdi Okeke in Living in Bondage: Breaking Free and Chidi in Kambili: The Whole 30 Yards, authentically embraces his Igbo identity in his portrayal of Emeka. Uzee Usman, taking on the role of Adamu, brings a dedicated commitment to his character.
Emeka (Jide Kene Achufusi) and Adamu (Uzee Usman)
However, the standout performances come from Tobi Makinde, Timini Egbuson, and Olumide Oworu.
Makinde, portraying Shina, a hoodlum with a comedic touch, brings subtle deep delivery to his character. Egbuson, departing from his usual lover-boy persona, delivers a captivating performance, while Oworu, portraying Ejiro, the mischievous lastborn and lover boy, showcases impeccable acting skills.
At the heart of the Judah family is Funke Akindele, embodying Jedidiah Judah. Initially portrayed with excessiveness, her character evolves into a quietly honest portrayal as the film progresses.
Beyond the Judah family, Uzor Arukwe delivers a noteworthy performance as the antagonist, Chidokie, the Chairman of C and K Furniture.
Playing Emeka’s boss involved in money laundering, Arukwe adds humour and authenticity to the character, avoiding stereotypical roles by injecting humour into serious situations. His portrayal of the loud, semi-literate Igbo businessman with struggling English and a lively personality is both truthful and unpredictable.
Review
‘A Tribe Called Judah’ takes its audience on a captivating journey through the intricate dynamics of a Nigerian family, skillfully weaving elements of drama, comedy, and a touch of suspense.
The movie’s narrative strength lies in its storytelling, efficiently introducing central characters and themes in the first act. The universal value of a mother’s love adds depth to the story of a single mother grappling with her problematic yet relatable children.
As the plot unfolds, the impending adversity of Jedidah’s illness becomes a catalyst for the family’s unity. Despite occasional melodrama, the story’s ability to create and resolve conflicts, introducing more complex challenges, maintains engaging momentum.
The chemistry among the diverse ensemble cast significantly contributes to the film’s authenticity, reflecting the brotherhood and unity in diversity resonant in Nigerian society. The movie effectively portrays the multiethnic structure of Nigeria and underscores the importance of unity.
Impressive visuals capture the essence of Nigerian landscapes and settings, providing a vivid backdrop for the characters’ lives. The soundtrack, while subtly enhancing the viewing experience, could have been more prominently featured to intensify emotional moments.
Well-executed subplots, particularly those involving Ejiro, his girlfriend, Shinene, and his gang, add layers to the narrative. The skilful blend of humour, emotion, and suspense ensures viewers embark on a transformative journey with the characters, setting this movie apart. It evokes moments of laughter, sadness, and action.
The movie successfully justifies each character’s journey, offering the audience a sense of connection and understanding. ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ manages to surprise, defying predictable expectations and delivering a palatable cinematic experience.
Rating: 8/10
‘A Tribe Called Judah’ is a testament that Nigerian filmmakers can craft compelling scripts with well-defined characterization.
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