Hijack ’93 is a film that tries to achieve something different from the romance comedy and drama the Nollywood industry is saturated with. Even though it fails in many regards, it still deserves commendation for making a bold move.
Directed by Robert Peters and written by Musa Jeffery David, the movie depicts a real-life event involving four young men who hijacked a local aeroplane to pressure their country’s military government. However, the directors fail to tell viewers the exact reasons why the young men did what they did. They just expected viewers to connect the dots, which were absent.
Hijack ’93 stars Nancy Isime, Sharon Ooja, Jemima Osunde, Idia Aisien, Adam Garba, Nnamdi Agbo, Oluwaseyi Akinsola, Allison Emmanuel, Efa Iwara, and John Dumelo, amongst others.
Firstly, I commend the directors for using a real aeroplane and giving it the Nigeria Airways branding on the interior and exterior. I also like their use of military uniforms and hardware like weapons, helicopters, military trucks, etc. The ambient sound made the aeroplane look like it was really in flight. The directors did well in following Hollywood’s playbook. However, there are just too many flaws in this movie.
Hijack ’93 is a periodic piece that lacks the juice to create that feel. The only thing that made it look like something about a historical event was the defunct Nigeria Airways branding on the hijacked aeroplane. Other than that, the movie looks and feels modern. The colourist should have discussed giving the film the 90s look with the cinematographer, thereby creating nostalgia.
The costume also gives off a modern vibe. The attire worn by the air hostesses is too sexy compared to what we see in photos of hostesses from that period. Even though hairstyles often make comebacks, the costume designer should have made the hostesses wear braided natural hair. That way, their look won’t have any modern feel.
The acting in this movie is nothing to write home about. It feels rushed, the kind that won’t attract any emotional response from viewers. The acting couldn’t supply the tension the movie was aiming to achieve. The movie also fails to supply action and thrills. Even if the actual event was bland in terms of action, the directors ought to have spiced the story up with action and strong suspense to make it worth viewers’ time. It was ridiculous watching Bob Manuel pronouncing his words like an American despite playing the role of a Nigerian Army captain. He should have used his Nigerian accent.
I found it awkward that one of the hijackers had a gallon of petrol inside the plane, and the directors gave us no clue of how he got on the plane. At least we saw how their guns were gotten from the toilet, which an accomplice must have planted there. However, getting a gallon of petrol on board requires explanation in the face of the tight security that airports are known for. The directors could have done the movie without that part, as it had no serious effect.
Hijack ’93 is not a recommendable movie, especially as it is on a major streaming platform with better content worth one’s time. I give it a 5/10 rating.
