- Lateef Adedimeji’s film, Lisabi: The Uprising is set drop on September 27
- Netflix, the distribution platform has released the trailer for the highly anticipated epic film
- TheRadar draws an analysis on the flaws and strengths of the trailer as anticipation heightens for the film
The recently released trailer of Lisabi: The Uprising has heightened the excitement surrounding the upcoming cinematic experience.
Nollywood fans and enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the release of "Lisabi: The Uprising" on September 27, an epic film produced by popular actor Lateef Adedimeji.
The film, which features popular acts, captures the historic moments of an Egba farmer and his protest against oppression from the Oyo Empire.
Via their official X (formerly Twitter page) on September 3, Netflix Nigeria, the distribution platform for Lisabi: The Uprising, shared the trailer.
“A hero rises from the ashes. Lísàbí: The Uprising, coming to Netflix September 27.Part 2, Lísàbí: A Legend Is Born - Coming January 2025.” it captioned.
As fans marvel at the cinematic feel and other things to look forward to in the film, TheRadar analyzes the flaws and strengths from the released trailer.
The basis of this analysis is on what was noted from costume, production design, story world, characters, cultural embodiment, believability and overall cinematic feel.
- Props and costume design
One of the important elements to make a film believable is the costume design. It is one thing to act in a wretched role and another thing to actually look like it. Lisabi: The Uprising trailer showed a glimpse of the efforts in their costume design.
Notably, Ibrahim Chatta’s appearance as a historic powerful warlord resonated in his costume, which was detailed. However, for a battle in that era, horses were usually more decorated for war but the one on Lisabi: The Uprising was minimal faulting the realism.
For props, the trailer signalled that it wasn't taken seriously. Yes, it is a make-believe film but it doesn't mean it should necessarily be that obvious. For example, the sword used by Ibrahim Chatta, where he licked blood, was easy to detect as wooden. The size also made it unrealistic because real swords do not appear that heavy.
- Characters and action
From the trailer of Lisabi, we see the outstanding character delivery of notable faces like Ibrahim Chatta, and Lateef Adedimeji. More screen was given to Chatta, probably a sneak peek into his villain nature and he didn't disappoint.
For some reason, their acting felt too predictable—something common in Nollywood films. Playing a similar role that audiences are used to often waters down the expectations in their character delivery. However, this is just a trailer, maybe there is more.
- Production design
Creating the story world through production design is also an important element that was rightly done from the Lisabi: The Uprising trailer. There was an attention to detail in ensuring the historical era of the film was captured. The architecture, interior and exterior arrangements fit in perfectly.
For instance, the introduction of the Alaafin with a pool that looked like blood instead of water added suspense to the trailer. It captured the lengths men go for the fortification of powers. Another notable element in the production design is the wall art, which was consistent in showing professionalism.
- Cinematic feel
Kudos to the director, Niyi Akinmolayan for creating an appealing and captivating cinematic feel with Lisabi: The Uprising. From the lighting to the direction, and color grading, it captured what a cinematic film should look like.
- Cultural embodiment
As a Yoruba historical epic film, Lisabi: The Uprising trailer lived up to that expectation with the reflection of Yoruba culture and artefacts. When the film opened with Ibrahim Chatta’s triumphant entry from a battle into the Oyo Empire, the camera angles explored the cultural embodiment of the film. At the entrance of the gate is Sango’s hand holding his axe. The cultural sculptures that adorned the walls also elevated the cultural representation of the film.
Lisabi: The Uprising trailer proves another remarkable Nollywood epic film to look forward to.
It will be streaming on Netflix on September 27.
Lateef Adedimeji set to release Netflix original biopic, ‘Lisabi’ [PHOTOS]
TheRadar earlier reported that exploring the escapades of a historic Egba warrior, Nigerian actor and filmmaker Lateef Adedimeji is set to release his anticipated film, Lisabi: The Uprising, on September 27.
The biopic film, with over 2000 cast members, is said to be a means of cultural preservation and history, particularly to the Egba people of Abeokuta.
