“Lisabi: The Uprising” – A Bold Yet Uneven Historical Epic

“Lisabi: The Uprising” stands out as an ambitious attempt to bring a pivotal moment in the country’s history to life on the big screen, the epic directed by Niyi Akinmolayan’s historical epic sets against the backdrop of 18th-century Yorubaland, aims high but doesn’t quite stick the landing.

While it boasts impressive production values and some standout performances, the film struggles with pacing issues and an uneven narrative that may leave viewers feeling both intrigued and frustrated.

The story kicks off with a bang, throwing us headfirst into the oppressive world of the Oyo Empire. We witness the brutal execution of King Olodan, who dared to defy the empire’s crushing tribute demands. It’s a stark introduction that sets the tone for the conflict to come.

Indeed, the film doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of life under Oyo rule, and that’s one of its strengths. You can almost feel the tension in the air as the Egba people strain under the yoke of their oppressors.

At the center of this historical drama is Lisabi, played by Lateef Adedimeji. He’s our reluctant hero, a simple farmer who ends up leading a rebellion against the Oyo Empire. Adedimeji does a solid job portraying Lisabi’s transformation from an everyday guy just trying to get by to a unifying force for his people. There’s a scene where Lisabi first starts to rally the other farmers, and you can see the spark of leadership in Adedimeji’s eyes. It’s subtle, but it works.

On the villain side of things, we’ve got Ibrahim Chatta as Songodeyi, the head of the tribute collectors. Chatta really sinks his teeth into this role. He’s menacing without going over the top, and there are moments when you can almost understand the pressure he’s under to keep the tributes flowing. The way Chatta’s voice stays eerily calm while his eyes flash with barely contained rage is genuinely unsettling.

But here’s where things start to get a bit shaky. The film takes its sweet time setting up the world and the characters. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but “Lisabi” sometimes feels like it’s meandering. There are subplots that pop up and then fizzle out without much resolution. For instance, there’s a whole thread about Oshokenu, Lisabi’s friend, that feels like it’s building to something important but ends up feeling more like a distraction from the main story.

The pacing is all over the place. We’ll get long stretches of farmers talking about crops (which, okay, I get it, farming was a big deal), and then suddenly we’re thrust into intense action sequences. It’s jarring, and it makes it hard to settle into the rhythm of the story. There’s a scene where we’re watching Lisabi plow a field for what feels like ages, and then bam! We’re in the middle of a brutal fight with the tribute collectors. It’s like the film can’t decide if it wants to be a slow-burn character study or an action-packed epic.

Now, let’s talk about the good stuff, because there is plenty to appreciate here. The cinematography is gorgeous. There are shots of the Nigerian landscape that will take your breath away. The costume design is on point, too. You really feel like you’re looking at 18th-century Yorubaland, not a bunch of actors playing dress-up. The attention to detail in things like the farming tools and the interior of the huts adds a layer of authenticity that helps sell the setting.

One of the standout elements of the film is its exploration of the Egba community. There are these great scenes of the farmers working together, sharing resources, and generally having each other’s backs. It’s in these moments that you really get a sense of what they’re fighting for.

But for every high point, there seems to be a corresponding low. The dialogue can be clunky at times, with characters speaking in a way that feels more like they’re reciting history lessons than having natural conversations. There’s a scene where Lisabi is explaining his plan to the other farmers, and it comes across as so formal and stilted that it pulls you right out of the moment.

The film also struggles with its portrayal of women. While there are a few strong female characters, like Abebi (played by Roseline Afiji), they often feel sidelined in favor of the male-dominated narrative. Abebi’s story, in particular, feels like it could have been explored more deeply. Her tragic fate serves as a catalyst for the uprising, but we don’t get to know her well enough for her story to have the emotional impact it should.

Another issue is the film’s use of supernatural elements. Now, I’m all for incorporating traditional beliefs into historical dramas, but in “Lisabi,” these elements often feel out of place. There’s a scene where Lisabi seems to gain some kind of mystical power, and it’s never really explained or integrated well into the rest of the story. It comes across as a bit of a cop-out, like the filmmakers didn’t trust the historical events to be dramatic enough on their own.

The climax of the film, when the uprising finally kicks into high gear, is both thrilling and frustrating. On one hand, the action sequences are well-choreographed and intense. There’s a real sense of the stakes involved as the Egba people clash with the Oyo forces. But on the other hand, it feels like we’re only getting part of the story.

The film ends on a cliffhanger that suggests there’s more to come, which is fine if you’re setting up a sequel, but it leaves this movie feeling incomplete.

In the end, “Lisabi: The Uprising” is a mixed bag. It’s a bold attempt to bring an important piece of Nigerian history to the screen, and it deserves credit for that. The production values are high, and there are moments of genuine power and emotion. But it’s also a film that bites off more than it can chew, struggling to balance character development, historical accuracy, and action-packed storytelling.

Is it worth watching? I’d say yes, especially if you’re interested in Nigerian history or enjoy historical epics. Just go in with tempered expectations. You’ll be treated to some beautiful visuals and solid performances, but you might also find yourself wishing for a tighter script and more focused storytelling.

“Lisabi: The Uprising” isn’t the masterpiece it aspires to be, but it’s an important step forward for Nigerian cinema. It shows that there’s an appetite for big, ambitious historical films, and hopefully, it will pave the way for more (and perhaps more polished) attempts in the future. It’s a flawed but fascinating film that, despite its shortcomings, manages to leave an impression. You might find yourself frustrated at times, but you’re unlikely to be bored.

Release Date: September 27, 2024

Runtime : 1 hour, 47 minutes

Streaming service: Netflix

Director: Niyi Akinmolayan

Cast: Lateef Adedimeji, Ibrahim Chatta, Bimpe Adedimeji, Roseline’ Liquorose’ Afije, Adebowale’ Mr Macaroni’ Adebayo, Odunlade Adekola, Ibrahim ‘Itele’ Yekini, Olarotimi Fakunle, Jaiye Kuti, Jide Awobona, Gabriel Afolayan, and Eniola Ajao.