Movie Review: Ifediche proudly celebrates Igbo heritage and delivers a powerful message
Ifediche, a cinematic creation by Brown Ene and directed by Victor Owudiwe, graced the big screens on November 17, 2023 and true to its name, the movie is something different. Shot against the picturesque backdrop of Enugu, the film beautifully captures the essence of the state.
Featuring a cast of both emerging and seasoned talents, including the likes of Pete Edochie, Chinwetalu Agu, Ebere Okaro, Chinaza Onyia, Chinelo Enemchukwu, Jidekene Achufusi, Chika Okpala, Offiafuluagu Mbah and others; the movie unfolds across the landscapes of Lagos and Enugu.
Chinelo Ememchukwu’s portrayal of Ifediche, an educated village girl navigating the pursuit of her dreams beyond the limitations of her hometown, is a compelling journey. The plot is interwoven with unforeseen challenges from her roots, presenting a test of resilience against the backdrop of her personal aspirations.
The cast, including budding actors, embraced their roles with commendable skill, adding depth to the movie. The infusion of the Igbo language and the meticulous portrayal of Igbo culture through traditional outfits, dance, food, and song enrich the cinematic experience.
The character Lotanna played by Jidekene Achufusi showcased some inconsistencies in his Igbo accent, where in some scenes he sounded like one with a thick Igbo accent and in other scenes he sounded normal, overall the cultural depiction in the movie is a captivating celebration of Igbo heritage.
The movie boasts a compelling storyline that immerses the viewers in the world of the characters.
From the exposition to the rising action, climax, and denouement it all left viewers hooked although an action scene towards the end of the movie seems unnecessary as it feels like the producers just needed to add some form of action to get the movie going and the action ended fast and seamlessly, the overarching narrative compensates for this though.
The cinematography masterfully captures the vibrancy of the characters’ surroundings, effectively transporting viewers between scenes. The film’s editing easily guides the audience through the narrative, while the setting authentically showcases the cultural richness of Enugu.
Ultimately, Ifediche delivers a powerful message on the triumph of resilience and the pursuit of dreams, regardless of size or divergence. It emphasizes the idea that preparedness is key to seizing opportunities when time and chance align.
The film also underscores the significance of altruism, promoting the act of helping others without expecting reciprocity.
From us at Kemi Filani, it’s 8/10 for Ifedichie.
