BROTHERHOOD

Before we start the review proper, we really must commend Nollywood directors who have obviously taken constructive criticisms and turned into positive effects. For the very first time I could almost very convincingly argue I was seeing an Hollywood Crime Action thriller, but no, I was seeing a Nollywood Crime Action thriller!

Brotherhood tells the story of twin brothers Akin(Tobi Bakre) and Wale(Folarin “Falz” Falana)  whose facial unidenticality is further detailed as they are both caught on the opposite sides of the law. Wale is an anti-crime unit SWAT detective, and Akin on the other hand is regrettably a criminal. Losing their parents growing up, they both do not have the best growing up, as they had to pull through life together. Years later, Akin is sent to jail after he is caught stealing a drug for Wale who is sick. Coming out of jail, Akin becomes worse and goes to jail again and again.

After coming out of jail at a particular time, Akin, ignoring the chance and advice to turn a new leaf, moves to ‘step up’ his game as he then joins a hardened armed robbery gang called “the Ojuju boys”. His exit out of jail makes him learn his brother Akin is a SWAT detective, an information he acquires through a phone conversation with their aunty (Ronke Oshodi). 

Due to his intelligence and network, Akin helps step up their robbery game and falls in love with a team member, Goldie (Toni Tones). The drama further intensifies when Akin shows up uninvited at Wale’s wedding party, flaunting his newly found wealth. It makes Wale suspicious of Akin being part of the notorious robbery squad.

The climax would come in the group’s final heist, and both brothers find themselves in a standoff where only one of them legally survives.

Jade Osiberu really does need to let us know the secret behind her intriguing storylines, after giving us a good watch with Ayinla, Sugar Rush, Isoken, Brotherhood joins her list of incredible stories.

Loukman Ali definitely did not want to take chances on his directorial debut, it’s evident he did not leave any stone he felt should be unturned. A great storyline will not fly without good directing, hence, he must be commended! Special kudos to how he was able to make the best out of the actors, making them learn how to ride bikes to make it believable and even choosing seemingly average actors to take lead roles in the movie and still deliver. Impressive! However, I feel there were some cast who didn’t really need to be in this, well, we understand the idea of promoting some celebrities with movie roles, however, can we make it less noticeable please?

The Cinematography was quite impressive, the camera movements and lighting complement the intentions of each scene. The SWAT office was a scene that caught so much attention, rays of sunlight emitted through the windows gave a sense or realness to the film. The locations from the third mainland bridge to the Ojuju boy’s hideout made many action sequences believable and enjoyable to watch. You just wonder, is this the same third mainland bridge I pass every now and then? The various locations seemed well planned out. The SFX(Visual effects) was also quite pulsating, the sound coming with those shooting scenes and the way the cars flip at accident scenes just make taking your eyes of the screen for a sec nearly impossible, not even with the various ecstatic shouts of ‘wow’ by fellow viewers at the cinema. Good job to the crew!

Well, while we shower encomiums on a job well done , however, some lapses are spotted almost easily. First, would be some very flat conversations, filmmakers must please understand interesting dialogues bring more beauty to the stories. Some conversations were forced on actions that followed.

Also, while we commend the SFX crew, however, this isn’t a Mortal Kombat game, what’s with all the blood splashing on the screens? I almost felt I had a game controller in my hand. Finally, not trying to soil a very good piece, however, director, I believe bullets leave a mark on a car when they are fired at it.

Well, the point is Brotherhood chooses to throw away the Nollywood cliche book and give us not only a seat edge viewing, but a  bittersweet ending to follow.

Among the many cast are Tobi Bakre, Folarin “Falz” Falana, Deyemi Okanlawon, Ronke Osodi, OC Ukeje, Toni Tones,Jide Achene Achufusi, Bright  “Basketmouth” Okpocha, Sam Dede, Debo “Mr Macaroni” Adebayo, Zubby Michael, Omawumi “Omawumi” Megbele and many others. Also, Dorathy Bachor, Seyi Awolowo and Boma of Big Brother also star in this as well.

Stand Out Performer– They all did great.

To have a Stand Out Performer in a movie like this means that one cast who must be said to outdo others, however, all cast did great, and it poses some difficulty picking out a Stand Out Performer.

Can do better Performer- nil

Amazingly, no one falls into this category as well.