“A Tribe Called Judah”, co-directed by Adeoluwa Owu a.k.a Captain Degzy and Funke Akindele, is a production under FAAN – Funke Akindele Ayotunde Network. The film unfolds the story of a family of boys who embark on a daring heist to secure funds for their mother’s medical expenses, taking viewers on a captivating cinematic journey.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Lagos, the movie boasts a star-studded cast, including luminaries such as Funke Akindele, Boma Akpore, Timini Egbuson, Nse Ike-Etim, Uzor Arukwe, Etinosa Idemudia, Fathia Balogun, Jide Kene Achufusi, Ibrahim Yekini, Juliana Olayode, Olumide Oworu, Paschaline Alex, Nosa Rex Okunzuwa, Tobi Makinde, Gregory Ojefua, Yvonne Jegede, Genovevah Umeh, and Uzee Usman, among others.
The movie centers around Jedidah Judah played by Funke Akindele, a single mother raising five boys. Jedidah is the mother to each child from different fathers. Despite being a single parent, she embraces motherhood wholeheartedly. The children, listed in descending order, include Emeka played by Jide Kene Achufusi, Adamu played by Uzee Usman, Shina played by Tobi Makinde, Pere played by Timini Egbuson, and Ejiro played by Olumide Oworu, hailing from diverse tribal backgrounds.
While the first two children are well-adjusted, the latter three pose challenges. Pere engages in chronic pickpocketing, Shina is a community thug, and Ejiro, alongside his girlfriend Testimony played by Genovevah Umeh, is a mischievous character.
The storyline takes a dramatic turn when Jedidah’s failing kidney necessitates urgent medical intervention, requiring the children to gather 18 million for her operation. Opting for a daring plan, they decide to rob Emeka’s former money-laundering boss of his dollars, only to discover unforeseen complications upon reaching the scene, realizing they are not the sole contenders for the money.
A Tribe of Judah boasts commendable performances from the cast, bringing their characters to life with depth and skillfully guiding the audience through the narrative journey. The film features two well-portrayed archetypal antagonists in the form of Nse Ipke-Etim’s managerial character and Uzor Arukwe’s Chairman character, serving as Emeka’s superior and ex-boss, respectively.
Uzor Arukwe injects a delightful humor and authenticity into his portrayal. Unlike the tendency to overly emphasize the comedic aspects when depicting rich Igbo bosses, Uzor Arukwe strikes a balance by avoiding caricature. He skillfully embodies the character of a flamboyant, semi-literate Igbo businessman with struggling English and a permanently effervescent personality.
It’s truly amazing how he gives balance to his character that while the character looks like he should be taken unseriously, characters and viewers alike who cross his path know better than to take him unseriously.
The movie’s storyline is comprehensive, addressing all aspects that viewers need to witness. It successfully avoids leaving any gaps that could confuse or puzzle the audience, ensuring a smooth flow of events. Even the plot twists are well-executed, offering viewers insights into each of the Judah boys and shedding light on Jedidah’s unusual alcohol consumption, potentially linked to her kidney problems.
The film skillfully avoids plot holes, but it does encounter pacing issues at times. Some scenes drag on, while others unfold too rapidly, prompting viewers to question the unfolding events. Despite its overall coherence, there are instances of unnecessary scenes, such as when Testimony, grieving the loss of one of the brothers, introduces an element of humor with her reply when asked if she told anyone what happened at the mall the previous night, the reply might be deemed inappropriate given the mourning context. That particular moment, although perhaps intended for comic relief, could be seen as insensitive in the face of a significant loss.
The movie’s standout moment is the meticulously planned heist , executed with careful attention to detail. Viewers are guided through the intricate steps, revealing the intelligence and creativity of the characters. The scene is captured with a stylish and dynamic visual flair, enhanced by sleek cinematography that adds a layer of sophistication to the entire heist sequence.
As the plan unfolds, tension builds, creating a palpable sense of suspense. Viewers are kept on the edge of their seats, pondering whether the Judah brothers will successfully execute their ambitious endeavor. The heist scene introduces unexpected twists and turns, with the arrival of unforeseen guests, maintaining an element of surprise that adds excitement and intrigue to the overall narrative.
The film explores significant themes, portraying the challenges confronted by numerous single parents and mothers in society. We witness Jedidah’s extra efforts to provide for her boys, shedding light on the prevalent stigma faced by women who have children out of wedlock. These women often endure harsh judgments and derogatory labels, with the assumption that their children will amount to nothing.
Additionally, the movie focuses on rebellious children and the tendency of families to give up on them. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing the unique qualities in each child, encouraging the nurturing of their talents, leading them to greatness. The narrative beautifully portrays Jedidah’s unwavering love for her boys, regardless of the troubles they face or bring home.
Representing all parts of Nigeria, Jedidah’s sons hail from the Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, Ijaw, and Urhobo tribes. Despite their occasional conflicts, the Judah boys unite for a shared cause and demonstrate a strong bond of brotherhood. Their differences fade away when fighting for someone they love and a cause they believe in.
The film delves into the ‘japa syndrome,’ capturing the desire to leave Nigeria at any cost. This theme is embodied in the character of a mall security personnel willing to join the heist to inch closer to his dream of ‘japa.’ The narrative highlights the lengths some individuals are prepared to go to leave Nigeria, shedding light on the challenges and aspirations associated with migration.
The movie’s cinematography demonstrates meticulous attention to detail, with camera angles immersing viewers into the Judah family’s journey and the events surrounding them. The editing is seamless, ensuring a smooth flow of scenes that prevents any confusion.
The utilization of Special Effect Makeup in the film is exceptional, particularly in the transformation of Funke Akindele’s character into someone suffering from a kidney ailment. The makeup artist skillfully depicts swollen feet, altered skin texture, and an overall change in appearance, adding authenticity to the portrayal.
In essence, “A Tribe of Judah” caters to a diverse audience, offering scenes that resonate universally and conveying profound themes and messages amidst moments of humor and occasional pacing issues.
From us at Kemi Filani, it’s a rating of 8.5 for “A Tribe Called Judah.”
