MOVIE REVIEW: THE FIGURINE

Kunle Afolayan’s The Figurine can best be described as a block buster because it will resonate in the minds of viewers and practitioners for a long time to come, thanks to its good production quality and screen play.

The movie ‘The Figurine’ deals with three friends – corps members who in the course of service to their nation were caught in the web of life mystery as they come in contact with the diety ‘Araromire’ the goddess of fortune and destruction. It is a fusion of traditional folklore with contemporary life.

Sola Fajure played by Kunle Afolayan, a young playful philanderer who turns up at the orientation camp in Araromire though late for the compulsory one year national youth service meets his friend Femi Kalejaiye (Ramsey Nouah) an asthmatic guy with thick glasses and his girlfriend, Mona (Omoni Oboli) who later becomes his wife there. 

These two friends’ lives were re-directed by a 7-year boom and a 7-year doom route map thanks to Araromire which they stumbled upon in an abandoned shrine in a forest during a camp activity. Sola decides to keep the statue against Femi’s advice that it could portend danger.

True to the words of the professor (Muraina Oyelami) revealed upon Mona’s inquiry about the figurine, they had their fair share of fortune, good luck and good health. These friends began to have unexpected occurrences of sheer luck after their youth service. Femi returns from aboard with the disappearance of his asthma attacks to find his father’s cancer ailment gone. Sola got a good job after NYSC and he and his wife are expecting their second baby.

Then began the years of doom, during which it was discovered that the same statue that made them boom for 7 years was responsible for their doom. Efforts to discard it including Mona’s repeated attempts to destroy it all proved abortive.

The Figurine is suspense-filled even till the end as the viewers are left to ponder whether the story was just a mere coincidence or superstition or the making of the figurine which the story picks its central theme from.

One of the highlights of the movie is its picture quality which was of course enabled by the hi-tech equipment used to shoot. Little wonder, the movie bagged the award for the best picture quality (AMAA 2010).

Set in Nigeria, a sub-saharan African country with diverse cultures and traditions rooted in the belief in the supremacy of the deities, one agrees that this might not have been a bad location for this thriller.

With its indirect and unpredicting screenplay, beautiful and logical shots to complement action and sounds, one must just give credit to the director- Kunle Afolyan. But that’s only to mention a few of the qualities of a good production work Kunle fed the viewers’ eyes with. The transition of the characters from youth corps members to high profile personality in the society as exemplified at the McCom Golf Club setting, the transition of the setting from the youth orientation camp to the metropolitan city of Lagos, and the beach road home of Sola Fajure all points out to a quality work.

Another great asset this block buster can boast of is her characters- an all-Nigerian cast. ‘Owambe’ Linda Chukwu (Funlola Aofiyebi- Raimi) is also one character to watch out for in ‘The Figurine’. She did justice to her interpretation of the role of a companion and a listening ear to Mona well not forgetting steady, consistent and all-charming character- Mona.

With all these outstanding production qualities, one would not be surprised ‘The Figurine’ was nominated in 10 categories in film making at the 2010 edition of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA). The movie won awards in cinematography, best picture and also bagged the award for the best film from Africa. Now, if you feel Nigerian movies are sub-standard, then watch ‘The Figurine’ as it will definitely stun you and keep you glued to the screen till the end.

Photo Credits:

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THE NEED TO VOTE ...

The elections have long begun and in less than two weeks, our president, governors, senators and representatives for the next four years would be known.

Leaders who would lead them out of the wilderness of want and corruption to the promise land are what Nigerians sincerely hope for.

Guaranteed security, uninterrupted power supply, good roads, quality education instead of jumbo pays, poor infrastructure, porous economic policies are what Nigerians crave for.

Before the elections, the question was to vote or not vote?

Why bother to vote when our votes wouldn’t count, this is Nigeria where elections are rigged and someone from nowhere is made to control others.

After, so many promises of a free and fair election, the word became participate, register and vote.

Yes, we should vote to reject all candidates and their parties in the past have engaged in, promoted and celebrated corruption in Nigeria.

Yes, let’s vote for change, let’s vote for transformation, oh yes, let’s vote for a new Nigeria. Let’s vote to make that change we desire.

Yes, if you do not vote, millions of people will suffer because of your action. Do not dash the desperate politicians your votes because they will only dash your hopes and we will be back to square one.

However, my friend, if you want to sell your vote, i won’t say no but make sure it is worth its weight in gold. Wait a little, think of the future, though poverty has been elevated in this country, it has left the pocket to the head. Think of your children’s future and make the right the decision.

So, I suggest you make an impact with your vote.

CONJUNCTIVITIS AND ALL THAT THERE IS ...

Apart from protecting the eyes against the harsh rays of the sun and making fashion statements, these days, sun shades are used to hide eye infections. One of such infection is Conjunctivitis known as ‘Apolo’ in Nigeria. 

Also known as the Pink Eye, CONJUNCTIVITIS is the inflammation of the conjunctiva or thin membrane covering the white of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelid. The inflamed conjunctiva will usually make the eye appear red or pink because the tiny blood vessels that are normally within the conjunctiva are now irritated and enlarged.

The white of the eye known as the sclera is covered by a thin, filmy membrane called the conjunctiva which produces mucus to coat and lubricate the surface of the eye. It normally has fine blood vessels within it, which can be seen on close inspection. When the conjunctiva becomes irritated or inflamed, the blood vessels around there enlarge and become much more prominent, and the eye turns red.

There are many different sources of eye irritation that can cause conjunctivitis.

Bacterial infections can cause a red eye which is associated with a pus or discharge from the eye or a red eye which is associated with crusting of the eyelashes with little or no discharge.

Viruses can also cause conjunctivitis, such as the familiar red eyes, sore throat, and runny nose of a common cold but produces a watery discharge and lasts from one to two weeks.

Allergies, like hay fever, can make the eyes itchy. Other allergies may only produce a chronic red eye. Environmental irritants such as smoke or fumes may also cause conjunctivitis.

Any type of conjunctivitis is aggravated by dryness of the eyes and its symptoms include pus or watery discharge from the eye, pinkness or redness in the eye, inflamed inner eyelids, blurred vision and a scratchy feeling in the eye.

These symptoms may not necessarily mean that one has conjunctivitis. However, if you experience one or more of these symptoms, contact your eye doctor for a complete examination.

Infectious conjunctivitis, commonly known as "pink eye," can be quite contagious, so, if you think you might have conjunctivitis, you should:

Keep your hands away from your eyes;

Thoroughly wash hands before and after applying eye medications;

Do not share towels, washcloths, cosmetics or eye drops with others; and seek treatment promptly.

Small children, who may forget these precautions, should be kept away from school, camp and the swimming pool until the condition is cured.

Infectious conjunctivitis, caused by bacteria, can be treated with antibiotic eye drops and ointment. However, other infectious forms, caused by viruses, can't be treated with antibiotics. They must be fought off by the body's immune system. But some antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent secondary bacterial infections from developing.

When treating allergic forms of conjunctivitis, the cause of the allergy or irritation must first be removed. For instance, avoid contact with any animal if it causes an allergic reaction. Wear swimming goggles if chlorinated water irritates your eyes. In cases where these measures don't work, prescription and over-the-counter eye drops are available to help relieve the discomfort.

So, the next time you see any one in sun shades, have it in mind that the person might not be making a fashion statement but suffering from conjunctivitis.