MOVIE REVIEW: The Griot By Adeoye Victoria Ikeoluwa, Lens University
MOVIE REVIEW: The Griot (Director: Adeoluwa Owu, Producer: Goodness Emmanuel, Screenwriter: Dapo Lanre Badmus, Year: 2021. Review by Adeoye Victoria Ikeoluwa, Lens University, Ilemona). The Griot is an interesting movie that combines African culture, friendship, love, pride, personal struggles, jealousy, betrayal, self-esteem, family influence and the importance of courage and confidence in oneself.
Lakunle's character makes the message clear because he has the talent to tell stories but lacks the courage to tell people about his talent. The movie is a reflection of African culture because it shows the importance of storytelling: the King, Oba Adejare, tells his friend Otun that the stories helped him recover from his sickness and brought fortune to the community.
Griots help preserve stories, traditions, history and culture and pass them from generation to generation.
Sanmi betrays Lakunle by presenting his friend's stories as his own, gaining recognition and the title of Gbobaniyi of Wakajaye - showing how some people take advantage of another person's talent without giving proper recognition.
Sanmi's jealousy over Tiwa eventually leads to her death, and he runs away without facing clear consequences - leaving the audience with questions about justice.
The costumes are suitable for the setting, the cinematography is clear, the soundtrack fits the mood. One area the writer could have done better: what actually led to the King's sickness is not clearly explained.
The Griot is a meaningful movie that combines entertainment with real-life lessons. It is worth watching. (Reviewer is a 200-level Mass Communication student at Lens University, Ilemona, Kwara State.)
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