So, this movie was directed by Leila Jewel Djansi, think this was her first movie. And what a success it was, it earned 11 African Movie Academy Awards (2010) nominations and won 2.
The story is an epic, set in pre-colonial Ghana and it's protagonist is Soraya (Akofa Edjeani Asiedu), a beautiful woman who still lives in her mother's house, despite being above the marrying age; she is waiting for her love, Dume (played by Godwin Kotey) to raise the exorbitant bride price her uncle has set on her head. But even though, Dume is from a poor background, Alaka, a mysterious old woman that stays by a well keeps calling him 'Father of Kings'.
At the same time, their kingdom is in turmoil, as the people live in constant fear of slave raiders. The king, who is tired and does not know what to do about the slave raiders, makes his son, Wanambe, king provided he can solve the slavery problem. However, to become king, Wanambe (played by J.O.T. Agyeman) needs a wife and he chooses to have Soraya.
In their grief, Soraya and Dume make love, knowing the prince will not accept a tainted maid. The day Soraya finds out that she's pregnant, she learns of Dume's death, by Wanambe's doing. Soraya, then, decides to marry the prince, finding a way to fake her virginity, all so Dume's son can enjoy a privileged life. During his reign, Wanambe submitted to tyrant, Mansa Musa for protection. In exchange, Mansa Musa demanded high taxes and 50 men every six months. Most the villagers moved away or died from starvation due to high taxes.
In the end, Dume's child takes over the kingdom with a promise to deliver the people from Mansa Musa.
Spoiler Alert!!!!
Acting
I love the casting in this movie so much. The actors were so mature and said their lines so well. Everybody acted their roles convincingly and with passion. I was not surprised when I found out that all three main actors earned nominations. When Soraya offered that Dume should sleep with her, the look in his face when he sees her body just made me so emotional, you could see his love for her coupled with the fear of getting in trouble or being banished. When Wanambe hits Soraya because she was crying over Dume's death, one gets a glimpse at his anger and exasperation.
Music
The music is awesome, in that it was all tribal music, no 50 cent hip hop, or dance hall, all tribal music that reminded me of the times I spent in my village, learning songs and climbing guava trees. When Dume was being buried, there was this guy singing/shrieking in some language but weirdly enough, I enjoyed it because it had this cultural element that was so soothing.
Originality
I would say that the story is not excitingly new, seems like the same old storyline; girl likes poor boy, rich boy likes girl so rich boy kills poor boy.
But to me, what made it work so well was the authenticity. As in, the location, the mud houses, the costumes, the absence of foundation on the faces of the women. The style of speaking for me was just amazing, their English was perfect without them trying to westernize it or add an accent.
The only problem was Soraya's hair, I'm sorry but I'm pretty sure Brazilian weave was not available then.
Lesson
Wanambe grows to become sad, lonely, depressed, a drunk and the worst king they had had. The wife that he so desired, to the point of killing a man, never grew to love him but rather was cold and distant. You reap what you sow. It was a really sad ending for him.
In conclusion, I would 150% recommend this movie. Anything you hate about African movies - horrible lines, poor picture or sound, unbelievable acting, bad directing, time wasting in scenes and more - all of those are absent from the this movie. The story kept you interested as to know what happens next but I do think the movie could have ended better. Like the end was just blahhh. We do not know if and how the new king saves his village. A little insight would have been perfect.
But I hail Leila oh, she seems like truly a jewel, so intelligent. I'm so proud to be African but I gotta say, Nigerians pls step it up oh, Ghana is dusting us oh.
Her next movie, Sinking Sands is being released soon. Here's the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWZjzBvySh8
References
http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=185237
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