"Jagun Jagun: The Warrior" - A Pleasing Yoruba Epic That Strikes at the Heart
Femi Adebayoβs breath of fresh air sometimes struggles to breathe, but whenever it does, it breathes deeply and shines brightly.
Starring: Lateef Adedimeji, Bukunmi Oluwasina, Bimbo Ademoye, Femi Adebayo, Salami Adebayo, Ibrahim Yekini Itele,Β Fathia Balogun, Mr. Macaroni, Yinka Quadri, Dele Odule, Peju Ogunmola, Kola Ajeyemi, et al.
Screenplay by: Femi Adebayo and Adebayo Tijani
Directed by: Adebayo Tijani and Tope Adebayo
The Yoruba arm of Nollywood continues its remarkable journey to the global stage, firmly grounding itself with stories that radiate the essence of the culture and language. "Jagun Jagun: The Warrior" is a fresh addition to this movement, carving a deep impression that leaves viewers satisfied as the end credits roll.
Synopsis: In "Jagun Jagun: The Warrior," the story centers on a determined young man's pursuit of becoming a formidable warrior. As he joins an elite army, he finds himself entangled in the treacherous grip of a ruthless warlord and unexpectedly discovers love in the midst of chaos.
In a landscape ripe with stories, "Jagun Jagun: The Warrior" stands tall as a testament to both ambition and execution. Standing tall on its Netflix-backed stage, and an ensemble of talented performers, the film paints a vivid portrait of a young man's journey toward becoming a formidable warrior. Itβs a relatable story told on the backbone of one of Nigeriaβs richest cultures on display to the rest of the world. However, within its grandeur, there's a yearning for tighter narrative cohesion that sometimes wavers due to its extensive runtime.
At its core, "Jagun Jagun" is a tale of love, resilience, and the shadows of betrayal set against the backdrop of a warrior's odyssey. While the film's runtime occasionally stretches the limits of viewerβs concentration, it's fortified by Lateef Adedimeji's remarkable performance in the lead role as Gbotija.
Lateef Adedimeji's on-screen prowess shines through, captivating audiences in nearly every scene. From βAyinlaβ to βStrangersβ to βSooleβ and now Jagun Jagun, the versatile artiste has mastered what it means to be called an actor in this part of the world. His dedication, although rivaled, is only comparable to a few of his peers. His portrayal of Gbotija breathes life into the character, even in moments where the narrative stumbles. Adedimeji's dedication shines through, making his character resonate deeply. The injuries he sustained to his leg during filming serve as a testament to his commitment.
Where Adedimeji is the arrow shooting for the stars, Femi Adebayo is the quiver that fires the shot. In the realm of Yoruba storytelling, Adebayo emerges as a standout figure, wielding his craft as adeptly as his character wields a sword and incessantly twitches his head. Not only does he portray another mythical character with finesse that makes it feel fresh, but he also assumes the role of the Executive Producer in this production, showcasing his continued evolution as an artist.
"Jagun Jagun: The Warrior" boasts several commendable elements, including impressive battle sequences that echo the magnificence of Hollywood blockbusters and meticulous attention to detail in costumes and makeup. The dynamic between historical context and mythical storytelling adds depth to the narrative, mirroring the societal struggles faced today. Underneath the surface, the film holds a mirror to contemporary Nigerian society, urging young individuals to challenge the status quo and take a stand against exploitation.
However, amidst its strengths, "Jagun Jagun: The Warrior" stumbles in places. The build-up at times becomes puzzling, creating a delay in establishing the true protagonist. I found myself struggling for too long to adjudge from what I was watching unfold whose story it was between Gbotija and Ogundiji. Another area of weakness is one thatβs mostly a general shortcoming for the entire Nigerian movie industry at this time β the use of ambitious CGI, which often falls short in execution. βJagun Jagunβ has its fair share of poorly conceived CGI-heavy scenes. Then thereβs that big plot twist I thought couldβve done with a little bit of foreshadowing, which wouldβve really made it resonate with members of the audience who look beyond cheap thrills and surface excitement.
Despite these shortcomings, "Jagun Jagun" radiates with positivity. It celebrates the heroic and presents fresh perspectives. Its social commentary resonates with present-day Nigeria, where the powerful manipulate the lives of the vulnerable for their own gains.
Good:
A large scale production with remarkable battle scenes and choreography that bear resemblance to Hollywood epics.
Impressive hair, makeup, and costumes, with Ibrahim Yekini's transformation into Gbogunmi being particularly noteworthy.
Ibrahim Yekini Itele shines in his performance as Gbogunmi. Heβs one actor to watch.
Thoughtful location choices, set design, and props.
The shock viewers feel after the reveal that Iroyinogunkitan (aka Kitan) is Agemo
The scene where Gbotija breaks the fourth wall. He tells the audience to ask those who know how to use other peopleβs children for nefarious acts the question - where are your own children? That scene left a tingling feeling in me.
Bad:
It takes too long for the story to really begin. When it does, it takes some more time to know whose story it really is.
CGI falls short of expectations, impacting the overall visual experience.
Excessive use of intense shouting can sometimes undermine the dialogue. When used too much, Nollywood writers, actors, and directors are often unable to make shouting impactful for performance.
Some character traits, like Ogundiji's constant head shaking sometimes felt too much and unnecessary.
I wish the plot twist unveiling Kitan as Agemo had been better foreshadowed. This narrative callback wouldβve really improved the story depth and, to an extent, the rewatch value of this movie.
Ugly:
There's no ugliness in this cinematic journey.
Verdict: In a time where cinematic beauty and depth often coexist, "Jagun Jagun: The Warrior" claims its place as an important piece of the puzzle. While it might not be without flaws, its essence, relevance, and performance outweigh any setbacks. It beckons audiences to embrace a captivating Yoruba epic, evoking pride in a culture that continues to shine brightly on the global cinematic stage.