In an attempt to resolve unanswered questions from its predecessor, Lisabi: The Uprising, Lateef Adefimeji’s Lisabi: A Legend is Born offers an intriguing ride filled with rich storytelling and vivid imagery.
In my last review of the first part of this biopic film, I asked why it took forever to set Lisabi up. I also mentioned how his trajectory from a quiet farmer to becoming a fierce warrior raises questions. Lisabi: A Legend is Born, as I projected, provided me with answers.
The narrative unfolds with a blend of historical depth and engaging character development, drawing readers into a world where legend and reality intertwine effortlessly.
Directed by Niyi Akinmolayan of Wedding Party and Chief Daddy, we got to emphathise with the character Lisabi and the circumstances that led to his powerful nature.
As the story progresses, it explores the complexities of Lisabi's character and the cultural backdrop against which his legend is set.
Lisabi: A Legend is Born is a powerful sequel to Lisabi: The Uprising. The epic film is a continuation of courage, friendship and the quest for liberation.
Plot structure
The plot of Lisabi: A Legend is Born picks up where Lisabi: The Uprising left us — battling the Oyo Empire. We get into the heat of the action, and this time, it is fiercer.
We experience the chaos of war, which began in the aftermath of Songodeyi’s death. The Egba people, through the leadership of Lisabi, strike a decisive blow against the Oyo Empire.
They sent a message to Oloyo (played by Odunlade Adekoya) with over 600 soldiers killed. In return, Oloyo sent his soldiers to ensure they killed 6000 Egba people. It became a war.
The final war tests friendships and trust. Some of the neighbouring villages that were meant to join forces with Egba people retreated in fear. Lisabi and his men were left to face the fighters of Oyo alone.
Suffering devastating losses, and it seems like the Oyo empire has the upper hand, Ikeola intervenes with the witches. Victory is won at last against the Oyo Empire.
Lisabi is honoured as the hero and showered with praise and tributes. This sparked jealousy among the youths, who felt they all made sacrifices for the war against them as much as Lisabi did. Why is he the only one recognised?
Reviewing ‘Lisabi: A Legend is Born’
“Lisabi, who are you?” Ikeola asked Lisabi. “I’ve been pretending for too long,” he replied. These two significant dialogues from the film proved the crux of Lisabi: A Legend is Born.
From Lisabi: The Uprising, Lisabi, a humble farmer, decides to take the most daring challenge to fight against the tyranny of the Oyo Empire. The same questions arose: who is Lisabi? How does he have so much power?
However, Lisabi: A Legend is Born dwelled on answering these questions. I must say that the plot angle was an intriguing narrative used to unravel the complexities of who Lisabi (played by Lateef Adedimeji) truly is.
This is one area where the Lisabi sequel scores points. The lingering question of how Lisabi jumped from a farmer to a god-calling warrior was intriguingly answered, and all doubts were cleared.
Also, Lisabi: A Legend is Born gives Lisabi’s character more depth, and through its commendable backstory, his transformation feels earned at last.
The story also shines with interesting themes that reflect our society. One would expect that after defeating the tyrants (Oyo Empire), the people of Egba would see the light and live in peace.
Lisabi: A Legend is Born showed that glory has a price, as pride consumes Lisabi for all the praise and honour. On the other hand, Jealousy rules the youths.
The plot twist is a replica of what goes on in our everyday society. How do people defeat tyranny to start fighting themselves? How do people suddenly turn against the same hero who fought for their freedom?
Lisabi’s confrontation with Bejide (played by Olumide Owuro) answers these and tragically unravels his relationships. His friends and allies, once united by war, suddenly started conspiring against him despite his sacrifices.
For cinematography, Lisabi: A Legend is Born is a mixed bag. Some scenes appeared exceptional, while others seemed off. The VFX was much better than in Lisabi: The Uprising.
Don't get me started with the props again. I lost count of how many times I cringed ‘Fake!’ To be honest, Nollywood can do so much better in ensuring props appear real.
While the war scenes stood out and the choreography seemed perfect, the props watered down all the efforts. From the swords to sticks and others, they obviously appeared to be props in the film, taking away the realism of the scenes.
Final thoughts
Lisabi: A Legend is Born is intriguing. I'll be lying to deny this fact, but having such an intriguing plot build-up to end the way it did? I need an explanation.
Being a biopic, I want to believe that its unsatisfying end is because it is based on a pivotal and true life piece of Nigerian cultural history.
Lisabi, in a poignant plot twist at the end of the film, had discovered that the Egba youths, in disguise of crowning him their war leader, wanted to banish him. However, he chose a more dignified exit by disappearing into the forest.
As his fate till date remains shrouded in mystery; generations after generations are left to speculate the whereabouts of the Egba warrior. The same goes for how the end of Lisabi: A Legend is Born left me — unsatisfied and quizzical.
Movie Review: Odunlade Adekola’s ‘Lakatabu’ is a mixed bag of improvements and shortcomings
Earlier, TheRadar reviewed that with yet another movie outing, legendary Nollywood actor, Odunlade Adekola, continues his pursuit of greatness in the movie industry.
He released Lakatabu (The Monster) to cinemas nationwide on June 21, 2024, after premiering it the week before. The movie, which has already raked in over N50 million at the box office, boasts of a star-studded cast.
It featured popular actors such as Lateef Adedimeji, Adunni Ade, Ibrahim Chatta, Akin Lewis, Bolanle Ninalowo, Yomi Fash-Lanso and Adebayo Salami.
