I wasn't expecting much from Lisabi. I mean, an epic is an epic, and we have had quite a few of them in this past year.
I wanted to pass on this one, but I saw it all the same.
Not to compare, but the first thing I noticed about this movie is that it tried to correct all the historical accuracy failures of its blockbuster cousin, House of Ga'a.
They got the Egba accents, tribal marks, and fight scenes right. Enough with the crop tops, Babylonian breastplates, Gladiator sandals, and taekwondo! The costumier of Lisabi is on fire!
A classical Yoruba epic, Lisabi is historically set in the golden age of the old Oyo Empire.
With the help of the fierce and war-like tax collectors (Ilaris) from Oyo under the leadership of the versatile and indefatigable Ibrahim Chatta, Alaafin Abiodun of Oyo collects atrocious taxes akin to daylight robbery. These Ilaris flex tyrannical excess, taking young girls prisoners and defiling them with impunity while killing and enslaving the young men.
They're also responsible for the rape of a new bride, whose husband they took prisoner, beating him senseless and leaving him for dead. The king, they make an example of, giving him the honor of a publicly viewed beheading.
Lisabi, a successful young man tired of the Ilari oppression, gets his friends together, fortifying them spiritually and physically to defeat the nuisance.
What follows is an underwhelming fight scene. However, I guess the movie producers wanted to reserve the core premise for the beginning of an anticipated part 2.
This is because it is very important to see the total massacre of the Ilaris at the Egba marketplace and Alaafin Abiodun's reaction to the killing of the most important assets to his kingdom as an important piece of history that should not be missed.
According to history, the Egbas were the first people to rebel against Oyo dominance.
In Lisabi, I liked how things started with the depiction of the true life story of Olu of Olodan and how Alaafin Abiodun, at the peak of the Oyo Empire, had the Olu of Olodan beheaded for impunity.
This singular act, together with the uprising by Lisabi and the Egba youths, whose status was correctly described as being only a little bit higher than slaves due to a perceived lack of productivity, led to the steady decline in the Oyo empire.
That said, there are some things I love about this movie.
First up is Ibrahim Chatta, whom l call 'King of Epics' (Sorry Lateef). That was some good acting from that guy, especially in the scene when he insulted their generations unborn! He wasn't just acting; he was giving the performance of a lifetime!
But, the real revelation of this movie is Liquorose. She is good! She acted in a Yoruba language movie, and she did so well. Impressive.
In one of her best scenes, she communicates what she was going through with such conviction that I shed a tear or two for her- all without saying a word,
Also, thumbs up to the costumier of Lisabi (especially the hair stylist), and kudos to props and locations. Top-notch work.
Although Lisabi is a Yoruba movie, most of the actors don't bother learning to speak Egba.
It was thoroughly disappointing that Bimpe Adedimeji, the producer of the movie, could not speak Egba. What is that atrocity Debo was speaking of? Ola Rotimi Fakunle too? Odunlade Adekola wasn't given a lot of scenes, but you could feel his aura from 100 kilometers down here.
Nollywood has cracked the code to making historically accurate epics. I hope the next one is better than this one.
Starring Lateef Adedimeji, Ibrahim Chatta, Bimpe Adedimeji, Roseline' Liquorose' Afije, Adebowale' Mr Macaroni' Adebayo, Odunlade Adekola, Ibrahim 'Itele' Yekini, Olarotimi Fakunle, Jaiye Kuti, Jide Awobona, Gabriel Afolayan, Eniola Ajao, Boma Akpore, Olumide Oworu, Kevin Ikeduba, Seun Akindele, Kola Ajeyemi, Femi Adebayo, Muyiwa Ademola, Seun Ajayi, Segun Ogungbe, Damilola Ogunsi, Bandele' Iya Gbonkan' Olayinka, Efe Irele, Kelvin Atobiloye, Peju Ogunmola, etc.
Lisabi is exceptional! Covered all the flaws of the past movies...
Lateef Adedimeji shines in this beautifully crafted film. All actors delivered outstanding performances. (It would be a shame if they hadn't)
Sokenu's strength and Lisabi's wisdom make this movie captivating. Simple, yet powerful storytelling, exceptional acting, and stunning cinematography.
Don't let biased reviews mislead you. Watch Lisabi and form your own opinion.
Rating: 8/10
A must-see for its artistic value, cultural significance, and exceptional performances!