A CINEMATIC JOURNEY OF LOVE IN THE NOLLYWOOD INDUSTRY
Produced By: Funke Akindele
Directed By: Funke Akindele and Adeoluwa Owu
A Tribe Called Judah is a compelling drama that revolves around a single mother, Jedidah, and her five sons, each from a different tribe. The film’s title immediately captures the meaning of the story and reflects the unique blend of characters.
The plot delves into how Jedidah’s five sons work through their differences to raise the money for her dialysis. The five sons—Emeka, Adamu, Pere, Shina, and Ejiro—each bring different personalities to the family. Emeka and Adamu, the eldest, are portrayed as responsible figures, while Pere and Shina are known for making trouble, Ejiro, the youngest, is the mama’s boy.
The film opens with a nightmare that reveals Jedidah’s past. Once a daughter of a Reverend, she was disowned by her father for becoming pregnant out of wedlock. This backstory allows the audience to understand the depth of Jedidah’s character and her love for her five sons.
Jedidah’s love for her children is unconditional. She is a single mother who raised her sons despite the odds, embracing them as her pride and joy. In a dramatic scene where Pere is almost burnt alive for stealing, Jedidah arrives in time to save him. As she drags him away she doesn’t need to ask if he did it; she knows he did. This scene illustrates the deep understanding she has for her boys.
One would think that after everything she has been through, she would have favorites when it came to her children. It was no secret that her boys were not perfect, but as she said, she wasn’t ashamed of any of them. She treated them equally and was proud of all five, regardless of what anyone had to say about them.
The boys' love for their mother is equally strong, although at the beginning, they seem to take it for granted. When their mother falls ill and requires expensive dialysis and transplant, the sons are faced with a dire situation as they must find a way to come up with the money quickly.
As they try to find a solution, they end up planning a robbery of a store involved in money laundering. This was a hard decision, especially for Emeka, as he had to choose between maintaining his integrity and saving his mother. This choice shows how love can compel one to make a huge sacrifice. As the saying goes, “With great love comes great sacrifices.”
Amidst the tension, the young love between Ejiro and Testimony provides a lighter dimension of love. Testimony, Ejiro’s girlfriend, supports the Judah family as though her own. She uses her brother’s car for business to raise money for Jedidah’s medical bills.
Her presence during the robbery, although seen as annoying, becomes helpful when the brothers need a quick escape. Her actions depict a love that expects nothing in return.
In conclusion, A Tribe Called Judah offers a compelling look into the complexities of love within a family. The unconventional family offers a different narrative in Nigerian cinema. The characters, setting, and cinematography add to the feel of the movie. The movie starts off light, becomes emotional, and then builds up the tension. If you're in the mood for a heartfelt and emotionally resonant film, A Tribe Called Judah is perfect for you.
~Adekoya Tiwalayo
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