‘Lisabi the Uprising’ is Nollywood’s best epic yet

Film Title: Lisabi: The Rebellion

Language: Yoruba

Working time: 1 hour 47 minutes

Launch date: 2024

Streaming platform: Netflix

Director: Niyi Akinmolayan

Solid: Lateef Adedimeji, Adebimpe Oyebade, Ibrahim Itele, Olarotimi Fakunle, Odunlade Adekola, Jide Awobona, Gabriel Afolayan, Ibrahim Chatta, Seun Akindele, Kelvin Ikeduba, Olumide Oworu, Boma Akpore, Kola Ajeyemi, Roseline Afije.

Oppression between the leaders and much amongst fellow Nigerians didn’t begin as we speak; it has deep historic roots. For generations, the ability dynamics between rulers and the folks have usually been marked by exploitation and inequality.

Nevertheless, all through historical past, solely the daring and brave have dared to rise and problem these oppressive programs to pursue independence.

The story of Lisabi Agbongbo-Akala and the Egba folks exemplifies this wrestle. Their struggle towards the mighty Oyo Empire within the 18th century highlights how bravery and unity can assure independence.

Lisabi Agbongbo-Akala was a talented army strategist and farmer who united a number of Yoruba teams to launch an assault towards the Oyo Empire between 1775 and 1780. Earlier than gaining their independence, communities resembling Ijaiye, Gbagura, and Igbeyin have been all below the management of the Oyo Empire.

Lateef Adedimeji has introduced this highly effective historical past to life by a drama that showcases the oppression confronted by the Egba folks and the way Lisabi led their liberation.

Set within the 18th-century Oyo Empire, ‘Lisabi the Rebellion’ narrates the story of Lisabi, a resourceful Egba farmer who organised a riot towards the oppressive Oyo rulers. He used the collective energy of his fellow farmers and referred to as upon the assist of deities to free the Egba folks from tyranny.

Plot

The movie opens with King Olodan being overwhelmed and dragged to the Alaafin’s Palace after refusing to pay tribute. These tributes, which consist of cash and farm produce, are collected from the folks’s companies. Enraged, the Alaafin orders King Olodan’s execution for his riot.

Songodeyi, the pinnacle of the tribute collectors and his subordinates terrorise the folks of Egba land regardless of their loyalty to paying tributes. Past amassing funds, these collectors unleash additional cruelty, usually raping younger ladies and killing anybody who dares to face of their method.

Daily, the oppression turns into worse and insufferable for the farmers and other people of Egba.

Oshokenu, a detailed pal of a hardworking farmer, Lisabi, witnesses a disturbing incident the place the collectors take a businesswoman’s daughter away even after they take all her cash.

Outraged, Oshokenu boldly questioned them, saying, “What’s it? Why are you taking solely ladies? Males should go along with them, too.” Due to this assertion, the tribute collectors marked his face.

Oshokenu, a lazy farmer, decides to marry Abebi, a wonderful, light-skinned lady from Egba. He asks his pal, Lisabi, to assist him win her over, and issues progress easily as Abebi agrees to marry him.

The tribute collectors discover that Oshokenu is getting married, they usually determined to trigger him ache. They assault Abebi, the bribe, on her option to her husband’s home, and Songodeyi rapes her on the spot. Unable to bear the trauma and disgrace, Abebi tragically takes her life.

On listening to that the collectors have achieved one thing horrible to his bribe, Oshokenu is livid. Decided to take revenge, he units out to kill Songodeyi. Within the course of, he manages to kill ten of the tribute collectors earlier than being shot. Along with his dying breath, Oshokenu pleads with Lisabi, who runs to the scene, asking him to not let his blood be in useless.

Moved by his pal’s final phrases, Lisabi gathers the farmers and suggests they staff as much as farm for one another to offer the collectors a whole lot of farm produce that won’t trigger them additional hurt. Lisabi, nevertheless, has an inside motive for uniting the folks—uniting the folks for a a lot bigger rebellion towards their oppressors.

Character Evaluation

Nobody however Ibrahim Chatta may have completely embodied the ruthless tribute collector Songodeyi on this movie. His vitality radiated pure depth, delivering 100 per cent motion. Chatta infused the character with life, suspense, and energy, giving the viewers an precise efficiency that left no room for enchancment—he surpassed all expectations.

Lateef Adedimeji portrayed the protagonist, Lisabi, the brave chief who united the Egba folks towards the oppressive Oyo Empire. Hats off to Adedimeji for his stellar manufacturing and excellent appearing. He seized each alternative to ship a outstanding efficiency, making this movie one of many standout Nollywood productions of 2024.

Odunlade Adekola performed the Alaafin of Oyo on this film. His efficiency, as at all times, is daring and commendable. His first look gave the movie an exciting feeling of what would come.

Roseline Afij (Liquorose) showcased her expertise once more, proving her versatility as Abebi. Regardless of being an Edo lady, she convincingly portrayed a Yoruba lady, delivering a strong efficiency that added depth to the movie.

Each different actor introduced of their A-game to make this film memorable and interesting.

Film Overview

‘Lisabi the Rebellion,’ directed by Niyi Akinmolayan, is a historic epic about Lisabi and the rise of the Egba folks towards the Oyo Empire. Though it’s a biopic, it explores the themes of oppression, unity, onerous work, and love.

Exploring biopics is rare in Nollywood, however it’s an thrilling option to inform historical past and cross a message. This movie tackles political oppression between the leaders and the plenty and the way unity can liberate the folks. The Rebellion doesn’t simply entertain; it educates and conjures up.

From the movie’s starting, you possibly can inform will probably be an excellent watch, and you’re impressed as you get to the tip. The top is each shocking and good, seeing that Lisabi succeeds in killing Songodeyi.

The creativity of your entire manufacturing, from the script writing to the plot, construction, settings, and props, is top-notch. Let’s not overlook {that a} good storyline can have a nasty execution, however ‘Lisabi the Rebellion’ ate and left no crumbs.

Actors like Ibrahim Chatta and Lateef Adedimeji deserve an award for pulling out such performances. The actors did exceptionally effectively. From their feelings and efficiency, you possibly can see that they’re completely satisfied concerning the undertaking and prepared to immerse themselves into giving us a present to recollect. This movie is one to recollect as a result of you’ll at all times discuss with the film even after watching it.

The cinematography, lighting, digital camera angles, results, and video high quality are all glorious, giving the movie a cinema vibe from begin to end. The make-up and costume are additionally commendable.

The Egba accent is kind of good, and far apparent work was put into attaining that. Nevertheless, the actors can enhance extra on the accent within the subsequent sequel, arising in January 2025.

This film is considered one of Nollywood’s finest epics of 2024, becoming a member of the ranks of standout movies like “Home of Ga’a”.

The performances, path, and gripping storyline make it a must-watch for lovers of historic dramas.

Lisabi The Rebellion is now exhibiting on Netflix

Verdict

8/10