Lisabi: The Uprising

PRODUCER'S REVIEW

NOTE:

Imagine reading this like I am talking to you so there is no need for grammar.

At this point, everyone knows how much my bones wake up at the hearing of a traditional Yoruba movie release because of how much I talk about being crazy for the Yoruba culture and tradition.

I normally would make videos addressing or reviewing movies like I used to but your girl is getting busy, editing is taking my time and I love writing now.

I am left in total awe because below are production departments that stood out for me as much as every department in film production is important;

KEY MESSAGE: Oppression, Activism, tyrannical government, Love, Unity, Sense of Belongingness, culture and tradition.

PRODUCING: This is one I will talk about at the end of this review.

SCREENPLAY- Can we give a standing ovation for the writer?! It all started with you. You will know if a story would make total sense or not from when you're reading the script. Watching Lisabi shows that the story was well researched and the writer had eyes for details. I honestly can not imagine the series of visitations to the state to get proper and adequate research etc

DIRECTORIAL VISION- It is one thing for a writer to put down a story and one thing for a good Director to tell the story the way it is being written. As a producer, I am very particular about how cultural and traditional movies are being told or presented. The directing of the actors were top notched. Mr Niyi Akinmolayan has eyes for details.

SOUND: This has a very special way it makes a movie come out. You can make a film and without sound, it is flat. Yoruba language is sweet on its own so imagine adding sounds and turning it to songs. The original score of Lisabi. I am beyond impressed.

SFX- Can we talk about Hakeem Effect for a minute? Honestly, SFX is a department in art direction that is not being talked about so much and praised for making the picture look beautiful and telling the story just the way it is. The interpretation of Hakeem Effects and his team of Lisabi was excellently done. The tribal marks depicts the kind of look Egba people had. Also, the Oyo empire. If you watched closely, you would see the difference in the tribal marks. The injuries, the head!! He surprises me every time without leaving any stone unturned.

CASTING DIRECTOR: Lateef Adedimeji was the lead casting Director and I must say, you have eyes for talent. I mean, he is talent himself so how would he not recognize one when he sees? I see what he did with few of the actors because they are from Egba and himself as well. It is either the actors are from Egba, they have heard of the Egba/Lisabi story, they are actors who started with stage theatre, if you know you know they are different from actors who started with TV or they were properly taught the Egba language, their ways(Ise ati asa Egba). Well executed!

ACTING: Can I say I am impressed with the acting? It is one thing for actor to be good and be well directed and they actually take instructions. These actors outdid themselves. Outstanding performances. They displayed legendary acting. Awon ogbontarigi ninu ise oritage. From Ibrahim Chatta, Lateef Adedimeji, Femi Adebayo, Odunlade Adekola, Mr Macaroni, Muyiwa Ademola, Kelvin Ikeduba, Gabriel Afolayan, Jide Kosoko, Eniola Ajao, Liquorose, Olumide Oworu, Omobanke, Ijebu, Boma, Jide Awobona and every other actors who contributed to the success of the movie. These actors showed resilience, sacrifice and the love of art.

DOP- Can we take a moment to prostrate to this DOP? I see what you did!! I see the different shots. I see your directions with the camera, the angles, the drones! The equipment qualities showed. The kind of camera used reflected in the work. You did amazingly well!! I think a good DOP can give a proper review because I am not one but I see his creativity.

COSTUMIER : Reading the script and actually getting the exact representation of the Egba people, Oyo empire and the different villages that fall under them in the costumes is not a joke. The caps, the clothing materials, the beads, shoes, hairstyles etc. Outstanding!

PRODUCTION DESIGN/ART DIRECTION/PROPS/SET DRESSING: Why I decided to combine these is because they work hand in hand. The props used, the way the sets were designed. I mean the cows, horses, cassava flakes, the houses, palace, village etc were impressive.

EDITOR: Who exactly are you?! You deserve an Award! Standing ovation from all the Production team. It is one thing to write a story, direct it and it comes out exactly as envisioned. You did not sway from the actual story. You stayed in lane. People like you make the work so much easier.

IBRAHIM CHATTA FILM VILLAGE: You see this man, I cannot wait to meet him. I want to tap into his knowledge. I watched a video of how the idea came to him, the process and the execution of that film village and I must say, this is a vision I want to follow. He has built something that is very useful to the film industry, tourism, excursion and historical cite. I honestly cannot wait to be there. Rhoda, whenever you are going next, I would like to witness this industry blessing.

PRODUCING: Salute Mo Bimpe! Though, the work of a producer is not in motion but it is in the reflection of the project that is being displayed. I can see that she produced a movie. Producing something of this magnitude is not a joke. I honestly do not know how she managed her budget, the line producer must have had headache throughout the entire pre-production and production(filming process). Did you see the actors in Lisabi? The costumes do not come cheap, the types of traditional attires used, beads, props etc. The location, the casts and crew list. These are not beans! The level of production is top notched. The intentionality of the Producer. The ability to manage the production is creative skill set she has acquired. Marketing and distribution, that is not a joke. I honestly want to be in her head and learn her process.

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Thank you! That is all I can say!! To the sponsors on this project, thank you. If the film industry grants are actually accessible, it will flourish. We would produce amazing and jaw dropping movies. Shout out to our EPs and sponsors. You all are the real MVPs. Without you, no film, just a script. Thank you! Thank you!

The Production quality of Lisabi is 100/100. I am open to comments from people to know their thoughts.

DELICIOUS

-When you compare Nollywood movies pre-Lisabi, you'll definitely notice that the VFX and SFX were ok, not striking. Niyi Akinmolayan and his team have really stepped up their game by striving to establish themselves as a household name when it comes to effects and this is clearly visible in Lisabi with dynamic execution and attention to detail👏

-Sound engineering was a blast, very refined!!

BLAND

Aside from the impressive effects, the film sadly did not deliver in many ways:

-The screenplay was in desperate need of a parallel story; the lack of made the movie very redundant as we kept on hearing about the collectors' oppression for an 1 hour and 45 min 😫

-The movie reminded us more of Jagun Jagun and the other Yoruba movies that have been released lately. Nothing striking. No character stood out. No memorable moments

-The scenes were way too lonnnng. That introductory scene with the Kabiesi took about 15min😱 Plus, the dialogues were casual, not enriching the story

We hope the sequel can bring out some excitement as the story in of itself has the potential to be great...

Lateef Adedimeji's Lisabi: The Uprising is a remarkable addition to Nollywood, showcasing stunning visuals and exceptional production quality. This epic film captures the inspiring tale of Lisabi, an Egba farmer who leads a rebellion against the Oyo Empire. Set in the 18th century, it highlights themes of courage, unity, and freedom, as Lisabi rallies fellow farmers to secure their independence after centuries of subjugation, defeating over 6,000 Oyo soldiers. This narrative not only captivates with its action and drama but also serves as a powerful reminder of cultural heritage and resilience in the face of tyranny.

Directed by Niyi Akinmolayan, known for his expertise in creating engaging narratives in Nollywood. The screenplay is co-written by Niyi Akinmolayan and Yinka Olaoye, who have collaborated to bring this historical tale to life. The film is executive produced by Lateef Adedimeji who also stars in the movie. This movie will leave you wanting more... 🔥🔥🔥 The sequel titled Lisabi: A Legend is Born, is set to be released in January 2025 on Netflix. This highly anticipated follow-up will continue to explore the life and legacy of the legendary Yoruba hero, Lisabi.