Genre: Crime, Drama, Action, Mystery & thriller
Original Language: English
Director: Jadesola Osiberu Producer: Jadesola Osiberu Writer: Jadesola Osiberu, Kay I. Jegede
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 7, 2023
Runtime: 2h 4m
Distributor: Prime Video
BEYOND THE SURFACE THEMES OF FRIENDSHIP, FAMILY TIES AND BETRAYAL, GANGS OF
Lagos TAKES A CLOSER LOOK AT THUGGERY AND POLITICALLY AFFILIATED GANG CULTURE IN NIGERIA, EXPLORING THE COUNTRY’S HISTORICALLY OVERLOOKED BACKSTORIES.
On 07 April 2023, Gangs of Lagos premiered on Amazon Prime a streaming platorm , making history as the platform’s first original African film. Produced and Directed by Jàde Osiberu.
Gangs of Lagos, on the surface, follows the story of Obalola (played by Tobi Bakre) and his friends, Gift (played by Adesua Etomi-Wellington) and Ify (played by Chike-Ezekpeazu Osebuka), who grew up on the rough and vibrant streets of
Isale Eko, Lagos. However, beyond the surface themes of friendship, family ties and betrayal, the film, based on true stories from Isale Eko, takes a closer look at thuggery and politically affiliated gang culture in Nigeria, exploring backstories that many have historically overlooked. THE HEART OF THE HENCHMAN There is no doubt that Obalola’s childhood years have been fraught with numerous obstacles, especially regarding the fates of the parental figures in his life. But as he shows more grit and critical thinking than what one would expect from a child his age, Obalola quickly wins the favour and the respect of the adults around him. As a young adult however, it becomes clear that Obalola is a full blown thug—chairman of the Road Workers Union, Kazeem’s (played by Olarotimi Fakunle) henchman—with an obvious penchant for violence and intimidation. Obalola appears to have a moral compass and yet, due to his loyalty to Kazeem, he is willing to perpetuate violence on Kazeem’s behalf and even turn a blind eye to his murderous ways. We are made aware of Kazeem’s plans to run for office and his willingness to do just about anything to assume the coveted position of power, aided and abetted of course, by Obalola, Gift and Ify, among other henchmen. Despite this, as the viewers, we see life in Isale Eko mostly from Obalola’s perspective, we are privy to his inner thoughts and desires and, as a result, we find ourselves rooting for him because of his apparent depth and sensitivity.
WHEN THEY WERE CHILDREN, OBALOLA AND HIS FRIENDS, INCLUDING KAZEEM’S DAUGHTER, TENI (PLAYED BY BIMBO ADEMOYE), TALKED ABOUT THEIR DREAMS AT LENGTH. TENI, WHO WAS A BRIGHT YOUNG GIRL, MADE IT CLEAR THAT HER AMBITION WAS TO BECOME AS EDUCATED AS SHE COULD POSSIBLY BE, EVENTUALLY RISING IN THE RANKS TO BECOME A JUDGE. YEARS ON, HOWEVER, TENI LEVELLED WITH OBALOLA UPON HER RETURN TO NIGERIA IN THE LEAD UP TO THE ELECTIONS HER FATHER WOULD BE RUNNING IN, THAT ALL THAT MATTERED TO HER NOW WAS POWER. SHE CITED HER FATHER, KAZEEM’S RISE TO POWER IN ISALE EKO AND HOW HIS LACK OF EDUCATION HAD NOT HELD HIM BACK IN ANY WAY. SHE SAID THIS AS THOUGH IT WERE A GOOD THING, AS IF IT WAS THE WAY THINGS OUGHT TO BE FOR EVERYONE.
Gangs of Lagos is all it thinks it is and more – much more. There is no movie to compare it with. The opening montage is the kind I have never seen, and it tells me what an exciting ride I am in for. The movie has action, grit, humour, and raw emotions that give goose pimples. I dare you not to shed a tear in some of the scenes.
The casting director does a fantastic job for every role, and the actors left everything on the screen, blood, sweat, and life. The story and screenplay demand a lot of energy, deep emotions, and method acting, and every actor, including the children, do a fantastic job. The story and plot are not novel, but the telling of it is refreshing, and the director’s vision is brought to life in technicolor.
Let us talk about some of the actors. Tobi Bakre has already shown us he is a great actor in his past movies, but in Gangs of Lagos, he goes to another level. His expressions and delivery fit every scene and you just want to hear him speak. In this movie, he is a man of few words and more action, and the young actor that portrays his younger self delivers. Adesuwa Etomi is a sight for sore eyes, and the way she handles her actions is sublime. We have seen her as the rom-com queen, and she is telling us she is also the queen of action. She handles weapons in a way that reminds you of Hollywood superheroes.
Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha is an actor’s actor, a veteran of Nollywood, yet always fresh in every movie. Chike is a revelation as an actor; he is given a role to be the gentle and quiet part of the trio, and he delivers in spades. Tayo Faniran as Nino still needs to get some acting classes done, but he did his best. He appears forced for most of his scenes, but his colleagues cover up his shortcomings.
I have known Olarotimi Fakunle as the king of stage acting and he is a darling of the Africa Magic series. He is an excellent actor on those platforms, but with what he delivers in Gangs of Lagos, he clearly crosses all platforms. He was born for the role of Kazeem and he is in action till his last breath.
In most Nigerian action movies, the fight scenes never look real, and you hear a lot of drum sounds, usually added in post-production. Whoever handled the fight scenes choreography deserves an award, Gangs of Lagos has some of the best-choreographed fight scenes I have ever seen in Nollywood movies. The fights look real, the emotions are raw, the injuries are realistic, and the blood flow matches the intensity of the fights.
The cinematography in the movie is top-notch, and the establishing shots, and long shots show us a view of Lagos that we don’t usually see. The real nightlife of Isale Eko is something to see.
Finally, the overall movie was fantastic and The director did a fantastic job in giving us a clear believable picture of what isale eko is compared to what we saw in far from home.
I for the outstanding work I'll give them a 9/10✔.
