African Entertainment News: A Tribe Called Judah. Watching this new Nollywood movie A Tribe Called Judah by Funke Akindele was truly unforgettable! The story was gripping, the actors were amazing, and the visuals were stunning. The music added so much to the feelings in each scene. With its unexpected twists, the movie kept me engaged from start to finish. Every actor brought depth to their character, making it a movie worth watching, whether you love comedy or just appreciate a great film. It’s the kind of movie that stays with you even after it’s over.
Read also: A Tribe Called Judah becomes highest-earning Nigerian film
What the movie A Tribe Called Judah is about
A Tribe Called Judah portrays the challenges and complexities of a Nigerian family through the lens of a single mother raising five sons from different fathers. This raw and authentic drama sheds light on the realities faced by low-to-middle-income families, offering a candid look at the highs and lows of family life with compelling characters and a nuanced storyline.
In the movie A Tribe Called Judah, we meet Funke Akindele’s character, Jedidah, a devoted single mother to five sons. Her day starts with heartfelt prayers for her sons’ well-being, a dose of dry gin, and anointing their pictures. Beyond her faith, Jedidah is a respected figure in her community known for her hard work and dedication to her family.
As the story unfolds, we see the challenges and triumphs of Jedidah and her sons. Despite their complicated lives, their love and faith in each other prevail. When Jedidah tries to help Linda start a business, it backfires. Linda’s husband, Papa Micheal, reacts angrily, leading to a confrontation where Ejiro, Jedidah’s youngest son, calls upon his brothers for help.
The Family Bond in the movie A Tribe Called Judah
Each of Jedidah’s sons is unique: Emeka, the outgoing sales representative. Adamu, the reserved security guard. Shina, known as a local troublemaker. Pere, a petty thief; and Ejiro, a naive painter. Despite their differences, they share a strong bond with their mother and unite to defend her honor when she faces mistreatment from Papa Micheal.
Jedidah’s life has been a rollercoaster, and her children reflect this diversity. While the older ones are well-behaved, the middle sons tend to be troublemakers. However, their love for their mother remains unwavering, especially when she falls ill due to unhealthy drinking habits, diagnosed with a serious kidney disease requiring a costly operation and ongoing treatment.
With their mother’s life at stake and financial strain escalating, tensions rise within the family. Amidst chaos and disagreements, they grapple with the daunting task of raising funds for Jedidah’s treatment. As desperation mounts, they consider a risky plan involving a mall heist to secure the money needed.
The Characters in the Movie A Tribe Called Judah
In ‘A Tribe Called Judah,’ the gripping story revolves around a single mother dealing with her troublesome children. The cast, representing the Judah family, showcases Nollywood’s diversity with performers from various ethnic backgrounds.
The film brings together a diverse Nollywood cast from various ethnic backgrounds to portray the unified Judah family. Among them are Emeka (Jide Kene Achufusi), Adamu (Uzee Usman), Shina (Tobi Makinde), Pere (Timini Egbuson), and Ejiro (Olumide Oworu).
Jide Kene Achufusi, renowned for his roles in movies like “Living in Bondage: Breaking Free” and “Kambili: The Whole 30 Yards,” authentically represents Emeka. He infused his Igbo identity into the character. Uzee Usman, taking on the role of Adamu, brings unwavering dedication to his portrayal. He embodies a Muslim Hausa young man. Tobi Makinde shines as Shina, adding depth with a comedic touch, while Timini Egbuson delivers a captivating performance distinct from his usual roles. Olumide Oworu excels as Ejiro, showcasing remarkable acting skills as the mischievous lastborn.
Funke Akindele commands the screen as Jeddiah Judah, displaying pragmatism and intelligence in her role. Uzor Arukwe impresses as the rich-Igbo antagonist, infusing humor and authenticity without resorting to stereotypes. His portrayal of the semi-literate businessman is both entertaining and formidable.
Fatiha Balogun’s portrayal as an old sage is noteworthy for its ingenuity and careful execution. In the action-packed finale, Ibrahim Itele’s role as the “good boys gang leader” adds strategic depth, serving as the savior for the Judah family’s journey.
The Review
A Tribe Called Judah takes its audience on a journey through the complex dynamics of a Nigerian family, deftly blending drama, comedy, and suspense.
The film’s strength lies in its storytelling, swiftly introducing central characters and themes in the first act. It portrays the touching tale of a single mother and her relatable yet troubled children, resonating with universal values of maternal care and love.
As the plot unfolds, Jedidah’s illness becomes a pivotal point, uniting the family against adversity. While occasionally melodramatic, the story’s ability to generate and resolve conflicts keeps it engaging by introducing more complex challenges.
The unity among the diverse cast authentically reflects Nigerian society, emphasizing brotherhood and the need for unity amidst diversity. The movie’s visuals skillfully capture Nigerian landscapes, depicting the characters’ lives effectively. The soundtrack, although subtle, could have been more prominent to heighten emotional moments.
Subplots involving Ejiro, his girlfriend, Shinene, and his gang add depth to the narrative, but some scenes could benefit from brevity to maintain viewer attention. For instance, the mall robbery scene and Nse Ikpe-Etim’s confession scene felt prolonged, possibly needing more brevity to maintain engagement.
The blend of humor, emotion, and suspense ensures a transformative journey with the characters, setting this movie apart. It delivers moments of laughter, sadness, and action, giving each character a sense of deserved fate, surprising viewers with unpredictable turns. Importantly, the movie hints that resorting to illegal means to solve mundane issues might become a roadblock to progress.
Rating: 9/10
A Tribe Called Judah is a testament to Nigerian filmmakers’ ability to craft a compelling script with well-defined characters. It’s a wholesome portrayal that stands out.