Ìjọ̀ngbọ̀n [Ìjàngbọ̀n] is not Ìjọ̀gbọ̀n!
On Kúnlé Afọláyan’s new film…
First up, I am not comfortable with the title of the film. It should be Ìjọ̀gbọ̀n or Ìjàngbọ̀n and not Ìjọ̀gbọ̀n!
Also, Chaos – the English rendition of the film’s title is wrong. Chaos in Yoruba is synonymous with rúdudùru, ìdàrú, rògbòdìyàn.
Ìjọ̀gbọ̀n [Ìjàngbọ̀n] in Yoruba means trouble or worry in English and not chaos. The synonyms of Ìjọ̀ngbọ̀n [Ìjàngbọ̀n] are: ìyọnu and wàhálà.
Now back to the film itself. The plot is a well trodden path. Four Nigerian teenagers – Ruby Akubueze (Oby), Káyọ̀dé Ojúolápé Jr. (Jámíù), Fawaz Àìná (Ọmọọba) and Olúwaṣèyí Ẹ̀biẹ̀súwa (Rántí) accidentally find a pouch of uncut diamonds in the bush and decide to keep them.
Not too long, the owners of the diamonds come looking for them and the four teenagers find themselves in deep trouble (Ìjọ̀ngbọ̀n) involving several murders.
The cinematography is top notch and I love it. Compared with Aníkúlápó though, this film is under par. I dislike the use of Yoruglish by some of the actors.
The star of the film for me is the adorable Oby (Ruby Akubueze). Her performance is captivating. She shuns materialism and greed, the hydra-headed monster destroying our society today.
She teaches us the value of selflessness and the pitfalls of sudden wealth. This should be a great inspiration for our teenagers. Ruby Akubueze is 25 but she looks 15!
Yẹmí Ṣóladé (Chief Owónifáàrí) performs beautifully. He displays a no nonsense demeanor. His eloquent use of the Yoruba language is commendable.
Kábíyèsí (Bimbọ Manuel), Rev. Ṣàngódoyin (Sam Dede), Bánjọ (Fẹ́mi Branch), Mama Oby (Tana Adélànà), Brọda Kàsálí (Gabriel Afọláyan), Chidera (Àdùnńi Adé) and others all perform well.
Is Rántí a coward? Is Jámíu overbearing? What about Ọmọọba? What do you say?
Overall, a beautiful film showcasing the Yoruba society to the world.
Kudos to Kúnlé Afọláyan and his team.
Ire o.
Credit: Olobeyonyon
