The narrative ISOKEN centers around a 34 year old beautiful, successful, yet single woman (Isoken Osayande) played effortlessly by Dakore Akande who by the way, is one stellar performer to look out for in the Nigerian movie industry. She gives us the thrills and chills of what it really is like to be surrounded by both family and friends who share similar opinions on the ideal role every woman should play at a particular age in their myopic version of the 21st century. My Buzz Review of Isoken comes from the perspective of a movie lover who believes that Nollywood actually outdid themselves this time around, haha…okay okay…maybe i just love pretty girls.
A-Tribe 85 Production together with the producer/writer Jadesola Osiberu did an amazing job on this lovely suspense-filled yet comedic movie, as it had everyone guessing what the outcome of would be. Isoken was infused with a crisp cinematographic blend of modern and traditional styles of fashion, music and African originality. I won’t be surprised if it is ranked as one of the top 5 Nigerian movies of the year, easily bagging a couple of awards. Heck! i would give it an award too… if i had one.
The cast, most especially the Caucasian (oyinbo) Kevin played by Marc Rhyc, who by the way has some serious Shina Peller dance moves and could even give the show stopper a run for his money, gave an outstanding performance. However this does not over shadow so many other brilliant acts put up by our very own Joseph Benjamin and Funke akindele in their respective roles.
The climax finds the titular character; Isoken torn between choices that would define her for the rest of her life, and we finally see Isoken fully take over the reigns of her life from the embodiments of popoular opinion. The movie however light-hearted delivers a very delicate final chapter and along with an inevitable decisive moment of a somewhat life changing decision for Isoken.
Isoken is a connecting comedic narrative, relatable to the average Nigerian, especially to the ladies. Trust me, at least one of its characters would ring their bell one way or the other. It also sheds its own light on the tribal and racial discrimination that we are all oblivious to as human beings, but more typically, as Nigerians.
Nonetheless, the Buzz Review of Isoken boasts of a Nollywood movie deserving of a 4-star rating, with quite an exquisite choice of both cast and crew, location and fashion taste, fascinating yet funny story line and beautiful the portrayal of the city that never sleeps; Lagos. A ravishing blend of different cultures and tradition. Let me know how you feel about my Buzz Review of Isoken down in the comment section below.
Buzzers Consensus:
(4 / 5)
Audience Consensus (Vote here):
Official Synopsis of Isoken:
Everyone in the Osayande family worries about Isoken. Although she has what appears to have a perfect life – beautiful, successful and surrounded by great family and friends – Isoken is still unmarried at 34 which, in a culture obsessed with married, is serious cause for concern. Things come to a head at her youngest sister’s wedding when her overbearing mother thrusts her into an orchestrated matchmaking with the ultimate Edo man, Osaze. Osaze is handsome, successful and from a good family, making him perfect Nigerian husband material. But in an unexpected turn of events, Isoken meets Kevin who she finds herself falling in love with and he just might be what she truly wants in a partner. The only problem is, not only is he not an Edo man, he is Oyinbo (Caucasian). Isoken is a romantic dramedy that explores cultural expectations, racial stereotypes and the bonds that unite families in touching, dramatic and comedic ways.
Official Trailer of Isoken:
Wow. I think I have fallen in love with the movie already. Got to love it. Reading the movie review then topping it with the trailer makes me want to go see it tomorrow.
Hi Seyi,
I’m sure you’d love this movie, you should go see it soon.