Lisabi: The Uprising (Yoruba Movie) – A Bold Take on Yoruba History

The Yoruba movie Lisabi: The Uprising aims to retell the legendary story of Lisabi, a revolutionary hero from the Old Oyo Empire. While the film had potential, its execution falls short, leaving room for improvement. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the movie’s strengths and areas where it could have done better.

1. Historical Context Missed the Mark

Lisabi: The Uprising (Yoruba Movie) sets its narrative in the vast and historically rich Old Oyo Empire, which once stretched from present-day Nigeria to parts of Benin Republic and Ivory Coast. Unfortunately, the movie fails to capture the essence of Yoruba culture and history.

The absence of a historical consultant is glaring, as the portrayal reduces the Yoruba people—known for their strategic brilliance, artistry, and philosophy—to a simplistic and primitive narrative. The film missed a valuable opportunity to present an authentic story that celebrates the ingenuity and complexity of the Yoruba people.

2. A Weak Screenplay Lacking Depth

While the movie adheres to a traditional three-act structure, it lacks the depth necessary to captivate viewers. Key elements like conflicts and subplots, which could have enriched the story, are underdeveloped. The dialogue often feels amateurish, and the inclusion of modern slang like "Emilokan" detracts from the historical setting.

This lack of reverence for the sacredness of Lisabi’s tale diminishes the impact of the narrative, leaving the audience disconnected.

3. Acting: A Mixed Performance

The cast delivers uneven performances:

• Ibrahim Chatta stands out as a compelling villain, carrying much of the movie with his skillful portrayal.
• Lateef Adedimeji, however, struggles to bring life to his character, failing to convey the transformation from a commoner to a hero convincingly.
• Debo Adeyemo shines in his limited role, delivering a dramatic and memorable death scene, though the action sequence defies logic by exaggerating his character’s strength.

4. Flaws in Direction and Production Design

The director’s choices often undermine the film’s potential. The Alaafin of Oyo, portrayed as a central figure of authority, lacks the royal demeanor and gravitas expected of an emperor. The depiction of his court and influence is reduced to clichés, focusing on a harem rather than showcasing his imperial power.

The production design also fails to reflect the historical era accurately. Key settings, like the Alake’s meeting place, appear hastily constructed without consideration for authenticity. Missing elements like city walls and culturally relevant props, such as snuffboxes and bicycles, further detract from the immersion.

5. Technical Aspects: Commendable Yet Inconsistent

The movie delivers commendable cinematography and technology but falters in other technical areas:

• Sound design is inconsistent, with poorly recorded chants and unnecessary echo effects that disrupt the viewing experience.
• Costumes and makeup are adequate but lack the vibrancy needed to evoke the grandeur of the Old Oyo Empire.
• Fight sequences, though watchable, feel underwhelming and fail to convey the intensity of the rebellion.

6. Missed Opportunities in Storytelling

A key flaw of Lisabi: The Uprising (Yoruba Movie) is its inability to connect the audience to the characters. Lisabi’s transformation from a humble commoner to a revolutionary leader is poorly developed, leaving viewers unconvinced.

The lack of meaningful subplots and character arcs further weakens the narrative. A richer exploration of Lisabi’s relationships, struggles, and motivations could have elevated the film.

7. A Step Forward for Yoruba Historical Dramas

Despite its shortcomings, Lisabi: The Uprising (Yoruba Movie) represents a bold step toward bringing Yoruba history to the global stage. Lateef Adedimeji and Mo Bimpe Adedimeji deserve credit for taking on such a significant project. However, the film underscores the importance of rigorous research and attention to detail in historical dramas.

To improve, future productions should:

• Collaborate with historians and cultural experts to ensure authenticity.
• Focus on character development and nuanced storytelling.
• Invest in production design and props that accurately reflect the historical era.

Conclusion

Lisabi: The Uprising (Yoruba Movie) highlights the potential of Yoruba historical dramas but falls short in execution. While it serves as an introduction to an important story, the film’s shortcomings in historical accuracy, storytelling, and production design undermine its impact.

By addressing these flaws, future projects can build on this foundation to create richer, more compelling narratives that do justice to the rich history and culture of the Yoruba people.