There's one crime I cannot tolerate not matter the reason, it's Human trafficking, you cannot sell another human being for profit, turn them into slaves, or whatever those devilish people do.
That is just beyond crazy to think some people gain profit, it's sickening. If you want to read more on human trafficking in Africa and which countries are involved head to intechopen you won't regret it.
When I think of Nigerian movies, my mind goes into a spiral. No, not the Chris Rock and Samuel Jackson horror movies. Well, just not up that alley. Netflix gave me time to appreciate Nigerians movies or series, even though there's tone, most feel the same, there's one that stands out, not the acting, not the visual but the story, the message the writers and directors wanted to share, and that is Òlòtūré, I usually get bored after ten minutes into a movie, if I pass the ten-minute part, it means one or two things, one the movie is good or two something caught my attention, it's either the story or the cinematography, for Òlòtūré it was the former, the movie intro was exceptional the best intro I have seen in a long time in any movie, I stand by my word. The first five minutes inform the viewers of what will be expected. The single shot from the time we meet our protagonist Òlòtūré to her escaping her sexual client, to her running for her life through the streets of Lagos, oh that one shot it’s a thing of beauty.
The movie explores the dark side of Nigeria's night-life, from prostitution to human trafficking. The film follows Òlòtūré as she takes a role as an undercover cop trying to explore the lifestyle of prostitution in Lagos but gets herself untangled in the rabbit hole.
Let us talk about the good of the movie; sometimes a movie is impacted by the actors and their aura in front of the screen, often a particular aspect is neglected and that's the design/wardrobe department. Òlòtūré stylish is top-notch, each scene is a work of art, the characters clothing, their lodge, the interior design, especially the lodge, the market, I would not be surprised if most of the budget was spent on the design category because that department understood the assignment.
The message of the movie is very clear, Nigeria has a problem which should be highlighted, the rich politicians raping young women, the human trafficking all taking place under the government nose, well that's what I took from the movie.
Sharon Ooja plays the role of Òlòtūré for me, she is the weakest link of the cast but does an amazing job when showing her emotions, though she gets my attention when first glanced the scene, her detective skills were poor, if it was a real-life experience she was going to get caught so many times, first in the market when she almost let her friend get caught, or lure clients and try to get away, you can do it once but twice or three times it will become suspicious, then there's her playing a prostitute which she did not pull of well, when she's near her other cast you could see she does not blend but besides them. Though she does have flows, Ooja makes us feel the emotion of being Òlòtūré and her friends, especially her best friend Linda, played by Omowumi Dada As the film is long, you can understand her role as a sister and daughter, she has a purpose. Each mistake or action she commits is due to her emotions, though her sacrifice was done for a more dramatic impact. I think it could have been her running away with her sister at the end and Òlòtūré crossing the borders with the bandits Few roles were poor not in acting but just their actions had no purpose, I did not like the role Blossom Chukwujekwu plays I know he is a great actor as he body his role as a lawyer in the series Castle and Castle but his character Emeka who is Òlòtūré boss, and he is also in love with her but does not know how to express his love, I like his character at first, but halfway through the movie I just lost interest in him, I felt him being a high power officer in the Nigerian police he could have use his power better especially in the last scene, or he could have done a better making sure the victims does not leave the country.
Overall Òlòtūré message is clear there's a huge trafficking problem in Nigeria and West Africa, and that needs to be handled, I appreciate Kenneth Gyang for the film, the visuals were stunning the plot was excellent, yes there was the poor scene here and there, but that was not enough to bring the movie down, Mo Abudu writing is amazing, the script was well handled, I think he just became my favourite Nigerian film writer.
The movie can be enjoyed by watching alone or with friends, but I recommend watching it alone to focus on the story and don't let anything distract you, not eleven the over performing role of the villain Victor played by Sambasa Nzeribe.
For me, Òlòtūré gets a six-cup of coffee out of ten.
Enjoy the movie.
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