Movie Review: Onye-Ozi comes to Nsukka.

April 11th. 7pm...  University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

New  Art theatre was already filled with students-movie lovers. The movie was Onye-Ozi: The messenger, produced by one of Nigeria's finest; Obi Emelonye.

Though i arrived late due to one or two delays, but i easily caught up with the storyline. Throughout the movie, one was thrown into laughter,thanks to the theatrics of the lead character, Metumaribe Onuigbo, played by Okey Bakassi.

Meturaibe was a Nigerian, graduated from University of Nigeria, Nsukka with 2.1 ( second-class upper), from the department of Political Science.   He 'janded' to U. K. thanks to efforts to the of his oversea wife.

Like most Nigerians abroad, he was faced with the issue of source of livelihood. At first, he couldn't face the reality that with all his good grades from a reputable university back home, that he will end up as a street sweeper, the only job available to him at the moment. But since the desirable was not available, he had no option than to manage what was on ground.

Coincidentally, at a mall, fate brought him, his wife, Mkpurumma, and Terry James, played by Steven Moriaty, an oyinbo, who spoke Igbo language so fluently, together. At their presence, the caucasian was shot. But before he gave up, he sent Metumaribe on an errand. Thus, the message.

A lot of things made the movie to stand out for me. First, the use of Igbo language made it very unique. It was the first Igbo movie i've watched in a longwhile. I mean Igbo was spoken  throughout. It really enriched my Igbo vocabulary, i must confess. Again, it was quite refreshing to see the Whites speak a Nigerian language, somehow fluently. Though one can't help but laugh over some errors by them.

Another good point that Obi's movie scored was the way Nigerians were portrayed in the movie; hardworking, diligent, unlike the stereotyped drug-dealers picture that Nigerians abroad are majorly painted as.

The Storyline, picture quality and camera angles were also commendable.

However, i felt some reservations about the movie. At a point, i felt the storyline was not really deep. Like i got lost. Especially when Metu was searching for the piece of paper that contains the message, and when he met the priest for the second time.

All in all, it was a good premier, good movie, with good ending, and a good end to an evening.