IGE, The Unlikely Oil Merchant is on Amazon Prime, produced by Toyin Abraham and Moyo Fakorede, with direction by Biodun Stephen. Despite its rich lessons, the movie, spanning over two hours, grapples with significant pacing issues and could benefit from trimming scenes to enhance overall flow as some scenes are unnecesarilly long while others are so short.
Set against the backdrop of Lagos, the film boasts an ensemble cast featuring Jaiye Kuti, Lateef Adedimeji, Toyin Abraham, Antar Laniyan, Yomi Fash Lanso, Kolawole Ajeyemi, Bimbo Ademoye, and more.
Ige unfolds as a narrative reflecting on life, emphasizing how determination and unwavering willpower can lead us to the lives we aspire to live. The storyline delves into the challenges faced by Iya Bashiru, portrayed by Toyin Abraham, navigating through the struggles of giving birth, being abandoned by the father, and raising her son alone.
The son, played by Lateef Adedimeji as Bashiru, grows up with determination, dedicating himself to caring for his mother and achieving greatness. The journey is marked by obstacles and life trials, ultimately portraying a narrative of resilience and perseverance.
Lateef Adedimeji takes on the lead role as Bashiru, portraying the grown-up son of Toyin Abraham’s character. Amidst challenges, Bashiru perseveres, emerging as a formidable figure. Bimpe Oyebade, in the role of Tayo, Bashiru’s wife, injects vibrant energy and authenticity into her character.
Her portrayal exemplifies the significance of having a supportive and determined life partner, a dynamic that undoubtedly contributes to achieving shared goals and aspirations. Through the ups and downs, Bashiru triumphs, realizing his goals and ascending to greater heights. The film is a compelling blend of timeless life and family lessons drawn from genuine experiences.
The movie’s characters delivered outstanding performances, fully embodying their roles and seamlessly guiding us through Bashiru’s story and the diverse roles they contribute to his eventual success.
While the storyline is captivating, there are moments that feel disconnected; for instance, when Bashiru visits his father for the first time, we see his father walk out without saying a word and in the next scene, they are gisting and Bashiru is asking about his mother.
This film stands out for its unique qualities, encapsulating the essence of the 80s through meticulously crafted scenes that evoke a sense of nostalgia. From wardrobe choices, house settings, cars, and overall style, the movie transports viewers down memory lane, offering a vivid portrayal of life in that era.
The attention to detail is commendable, capturing the spirit of the 80s with authentic outfits and hairstyles. However, there’s a scene where Teddy A appears with a two-piece denim outfit and dreads, a departure from the prevalent afro style among cool guys during that period.
The meticulous attention to detail was truly commendable, and the entire production team demonstrated exceptional skill in bringing it to life.
The film underscores the themes of hard work and determination, emphasizing the importance of persevering toward dreams and aspirations despite challenges. The message is clear: never give up, and success will inevitably come closer.
The cinematography in the movie is well-executed, effectively drawing viewers closer to the characters and providing insights into their motivations, whether positive or negative, throughout the film.
Apart from it being too lengthy,”Ige” essentially imparts valuable lessons on perseverance, resilience, hard work, and the transformative power of positive energy leading to success.
From us at Kemi Filani, it’s 7/10 for “Ige: The Unlikely Oil Merchant”.
