Jade Osiberu‘s latest movie, Gangs of Lagos has quickly gone on to become one of the most remarkable action movies in the Nigerian movie industry, following its release on Good Friday, April 7.
The movie has stretched the boundaries of not only the actors who did an exceptional job in interpreting their roles; it has also given the viewers a glimpse of what goes on in the underworld. The bloodshed and tussle of power encased in politicking always come with attendant causalities.
While the politicians keep their regalia clean during political campaigns, there is a war going on in the inner creeks of the city.
Gangs of Lagos is a movie that is themed around the heinous activities that goes on in Isale Eko, Lagos Island. In search of power, there will always be casualties; the movie leaves no stone unturned as it reflects the reality of Nigerian politics.
The crime drama, the first Amazon Original film from Africa, follows three friends chasing their dreams and destiny on the dangerous streets of Isale Eko. Tobi Bakre takes the lead as Obalola, supported by Adesua Etomi-Wellington (Gift) and Chike-Ezekpeazu Osebuka (Ify).
ALSO READ: MC Oluomo: How Tinubu Enabled Thuggery In Rise To Power
With these three leading the cast, the movie takes us into a relatable, layered crime world of corruption, drug dealing, protection rackets, human trafficking, theft, and murder.
ALSO READ: The ‘Ice Cream’ Governor: What’s On Sanwo-Olu’s Predictable Mind?
The Streets Of Isale Eko
There is actually nothing to smile about in the action packed movie, while there were glimpses of sunshine and roses, it faded away with immediate effect. On the streets of Isale Eko, there was always something to fight for; it was either someone was going to be killed or an assailant is out executing his task.
The Gangs of Lagos made sure the battle for the position of the street king is well documented. The illegal businesses that goes on and the underhand tactics deployed by some of the political players in modern day Nigeria.
Is It Worth The Life Of The Youth?
In the 2023 general elections, young men were disseminated across various parts of the country to steal ballot boxes, physically assault and threaten citizens of Nigeria who were out to carryout their civic responsibilities. Additionally, during the gubernatorial election in Lagos state, a certain ethnic group was disenfranchised and cautioned to stay from the polling unit if they have no intention of voting the ruling party.
While the youths on the streets go to war and lose their dreams, spirits and aspirations because of the ambitions of a curmudgeon, the leaders only give the survivors a meagre piece of the loot. They go overseas with their family and embrace the epicureanism of life, while they only return home during political campaigns.
As stated earlier, the movie, Gangs of Lagos is close to home and it is relatable. The storyline is well understood by the viewers because it is what has continued to unravel in recent times.
In this movie, the dreams of Ify (played by singer, Chike), an aspiring musician was cut short after he was gruesomely macheted to death. This is an allusion to how several talented young individuals have lost their lives due to their affiliation with political thuggery and the weaponization of poverty by politicians.
The film is co-produced by Jade Osiberu and Kemi Lala Akindoju.
The movie stars Tobi Bakre (“Sugar Rush”), Adesua Etomi-Wellington (“The Wedding Party”) and musician-turned-actor Chike.
Other high-profile casts include Chioma Akpotha, Bimbo Ademoye, Zlatan Ibile, Iyabo Ojo and Tayo Faniran.
Watch the movie trailer below.
