“Gangs of Lagos” is a 2023 Nollywood crime thriller directed by Jadesola Osiberu. This movie has honestly received a lot of attention since its release and you’re probably wondering if it’s worth the hype. Wellllllll……. It tells the story of three friends who turn to a life of crime in the dangerous streets of Isale Eko after losing loved ones. When their boss, Kazeem, pins the murder of a gang leader on one of them, it leads to a war with bloody consequences. Produced by Inkblot Productions, the movie features an impressive cast, stunning cinematography, and a compelling plot.
Casts
The movie cast includes Tobi Bakare, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Chike Osebuka, Olarotimi Fakunle, Chioma Chukwuka, Bimbo Ademoye and Iyabo Ojo. It also includes popular names like Zlatan, Debo “Mr Maraconi” Adedayo, Yhemolee, Pasuma, Toyin Abraham, Tayo Faniran, Damilola Ogunsi, and Funke Williams.
Synopsis
The film opens with a scene in which a woman is threatened by a young boy named Obalola with a knife, demanding she gives up her purse. This incident results in Obalola being summoned by a gang leader known as the “leader of the streets,” as the woman is considered an “omo aiye.”
Obalola’s intelligence and bravery catch the attention of another gang leader named Nino. Nino later becomes a father figure to him. However, when Nino dies, Obalola is forced to turn to a life of crime with his close friends Gift (played by Adesua Etomi-Wellington) and Ify (played by Chike Osebuka). They end up working for a ruthless and greedy gang leader named Kazeem (played by Olarotimi Fakunle).
The situation becomes heated when Kazeem frames Oba’s friend for the murder of another gang leader. In a predictable turn of events, this leads to the death of said friend. However, this act sparks outrage among Oba and the other street members. It results in a war that brings about destruction and bloodshed.
Strengths
One of the major strengths of “Gangs of Lagos” is the excellent direction by Jadesola Osiberu. The director expertly weaves together the various elements of the movie to create a cohesive and engaging story. The movie’s pacing is well-balanced, and the tension builds gradually as the story unfolds.
The cinematography in “Gangs of Lagos” is also a standout feature. The movie was shot on location in Lagos and the city serves as a character in its own right. The absolutely stunning shots manage to capture the essence of Lagos street life in an amazing way. The locations used in the movie were also remarkable as they were shot in real-life places in Isale Eko. The camera work captures the vibrant energy and chaotic beauty of the city, immersing the audience in the world of the movie. You can almost taste the air of the streets and feel the life of the city through the screen.
More remarkable is the symbolic representation of events in the storyline as it addresses the current situation of the country. Most especially the recent elections, heavily projecting the themes of political thuggery and corruption.
The movie’s cast is another strength, with standout performances from the lead actors. The film boasts excellent casting choices, with Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Tobi Bakare, and Olarotimi Fakunle delivering outstanding performances. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with each actor bringing their A-game to the table.
Adesua’s portrayal of a tough, masculine character was a refreshing departure from her typically beautiful and feminine roles. Tobi Bakare’s award-winning performance as Obalola and Kazeem’s portrayal of a street villain was convincing and compelling. Chioma’s delivery of a touching monologue demonstrated her impressive range as an actress while Iyabo Ojo’s characters embody the fierce nature of a typical Nigerian mother. Also noteworthy is Bimbo Ademoye’s character as “Teni” and the projection of child actors who killed their roles as young Obalola, Ify and Gift.
Weaknesses
One of the weaknesses of “Gangs of Lagos” is the lack of character development for some of the supporting characters. While the lead characters are well-defined and complex, some of the supporting characters are underutilized and do not get the development they deserve.
The movie’s plot is also somewhat predictable, with many of the story beats following a familiar formula. The dialogue on some occasions also seemed quite bland. The film’s stunts and effects are professional, making it a must-watch for any Nollywood director interested in shooting an action film. However, some scenes felt too dragged out, especially those with the stunts. However, this does not detract from the overall quality of the movie. It does make the movie less surprising or suspenseful than it could have been.
Despite these weaknesses, “Gangs of Lagos” is a compelling and entertaining movie that showcases the best of Nollywood. The movie’s strengths, including its excellent direction, stunning cinematography, and strong performances, far outweigh its weaknesses. With its engaging plot and immersive world-building, “Gangs of Lagos” is a must-watch for fans of crime thrillers and Nollywood movies.
Some viewers have opined that the film would have been better as a TV series, as it left them wanting more. To what extent is this true? Kindly share your thoughts in the comment section.
