After watching a couple of misses calling themselves movies, I seriously considered leaving Nollywood movies for good. But then came Brotherhood, a movie that deserves every award; a movie ahead of its time. The stellar cast and compelling story are frankly impressive.
Some will argue that this story arc has been overused- twin boys who lost their parents at a very young age found themselves on opposite sides of the law. They had a similar experience of childhood trauma, and they processed it very differently. One lost his way and became a social reject, going in and out of prison, and engaging in armed robbery, while the other became an upstanding law officer.
The cast is perfect! Tobi of Big Brother fame shines as Akin ‘Kalashnikov’ Adetula, a master strategist and a bundle of talents. (I am trying hard not to drop spoilers here if I can help).
His character contrasts sharply with Izra, a greedy armed robber who just wants to steal and steal and does not have the brains to do a clean job. On the other side of the law, Falz the Bahd Guy dropped his Bahd Guy persona to play a good guy. He is also a talented policeman who can see the bigger picture, even though he is mocked repeatedly by his colleagues, especially Simon, who is also a contrast to his character; he stands by what he believes in.
Folarin ‘Falz, the Bahd Guy’ showed that he deserved the title of the ‘Musician with the AMVCA’ title. Apart from Tobi Bakre, this movie had a couple of other Big Brother Alumni, and they all delivered.
There was Dorathy Bachor, Boma Akpore, Seyi Awolowo, and Dianne Russet. Then, there was O.C Ukeje, who actually came out of reclusion to play the dumb but greedy Izra
Mr Macaroni thrilled in a slightly more prominent role than his customary cameo appearances, while Bright ‘Basketmouth’ Okpocha convincingly grew into his role as a ruthless gang leader.
Sam Dede is ageing gracefully but still has some spunk. Then there is Aunty Ronke ‘Oshodi Oke’ Ojo, my personal favourite; Toni Tones, the sexy Goldie; Korede ‘Korexx’ Ajayi; Swanky JKA, the arrogant being-around-the-block police officer; and A-list stars Deyemi Okanlawon and Mercy Aigbe in surprising cameos.
Brotherhood is a blockbuster and a testament that it is not yet time to cancel Nollywood.
And yes, can we give it up for the stunt team? The action scenes are as realistic as possible, complete with heavy ammunition and explosives. The bullion van robbery scene was so real I screamed all through.
One particular scene towards the end involved a simulated suicide and the comeback with that Asake’s song. You'll know that scene when you see it. Lol.
There is also a Bonnie and Clyde-ish scene that was adorable, to say the least. There is also that scene that gives me chills, where Izra was blasted to smithereens inside the rain. I also love the language used. I mean, I don’t speak English with my family.
This movie has elevated Nollywood in the action and stunt department- I can boldly say that Nollywood can compete internationally for action movies.
So far, this is the best to come out of Nollywood.
