Ori: The Rebirth by Muyiwa Ademola is a bold and emotional sequel to his 2004 award-winning film Ori. This story’s construction reaffirms Ademola’s status as a visionary in the Yoruba sub-genre of Nollywood. When I heard he spent more than N400 million to produce the movie, I was moved to see it, even though I knew such a claim had been a tactic used by producers to lure viewers to the cinema.
Ori: The Rebirth is a movie that delivers a compelling narrative, stellar performances, and a profound exploration of destiny, faith, and redemption. The film earns its place as a must-watch masterpiece, and it is one of Nollywood’s finest releases in years.
The movie features heavyweights like Sola Sobowale, Odunlade Adekola, Lateef Adedimeji, and Toyin Abraham. Sobowale was very commanding with her presence in the film, displaying fierce determination and heart-wrenching vulnerability. Also worthy of praise is Abraham for an amazing delivery, as she brought nuance to a role that could have easily been one-dimensional. Ademola himself played a pivotal role, and I must also commend the child who starred as Eniafe. It was great seeing the actors interpret their roles with intense professionalism.
The prequel was released in 2004 and won Best Indigenous Film at the inaugural Africa Movie Academy Awards. The sequel builds on the story and success of the 2004 edition. The latest release tends to fuse modernity and village life, and it always felt refreshing when transported through such scenes. For example, the village life, especially the part where Muyiwa Ademola fell from a horse, showcased great Yoruba costumes and traditions. If you saw only that part, you won’t believe it if you were later told that there were scenes involving flashy cars and a private jet.
The movie tells the story of a man grappling with the weight of his destiny while navigating a catastrophic journey that tests his faith and resolve. Ademola’s storytelling is ambitious and full of suspense, even though I felt it had too much of it. I think the writers should have elaborated more on Bisade’s first wife and his siblings as part of a brief background on his life. I somehow struggled to understand the movie in the beginning, but caught up with the plot later on.
Before I bought a ticket at the cinema concession stand, I could hear one of the attendants luring people to buy tickets by stating that the movie would make them cry. Well, I don’t think I saw anyone bathing an eyelid in the hall. However, the movie is very intriguing. I transitioned from struggling at the beginning of the movie to getting hooked after I finally got the plot. I must confess that the movie has some moments that will leave you with goosebumps.
The cinematography, color grading and effects in this movie are nothing outstanding. The saving grace is the amazing storytelling, which is why I doubt Ademola’s claim of spending N400 million to create the film. Ori: The Rebirth is an interesting film to watch, and it is worth one’s time. I rate it a 7.5/10.
