Arguably one of the best biopics from Nollywood, “Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti movie 2024″ is a powerful and stirring portrayal of one of Nigeria’s most formidable women. Written by Tunde Babalola, this film takes us on a journey through the life of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, a woman who dared to challenge the status quo and left an indelible mark on Nigerian history.
Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti Movie: The Plot
From the opening scenes, we’re transported back to early 1970 Nigeria. After the infamous military raid on her son Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s Kalakuta Republic, Funmilayo (played by Joke Silver) is hospitalized, and a Spanish journalist named Isabell (Tatiana Nassar Boudokhane) interviews her, prompting a series of flashbacks that unravel her past.
The retrospective journey introduces us to young Funmilayo (portrayed by Iyimide Aluko-Olumoko) during her teenage years. The narrative arc of the film is both inspiring and heart-wrenching. We see her grow from a determined young girl in Abeokuta into a formidable woman who would challenge colonial rule.
From standing up to bullies to establishing her early disdain for oppression, we follow Funmilayo as she navigates the complexities of being a woman in a patriarchal society, her marriage to Israel Oludotun Ransome-Kuti, and her role as a mother to children who would themselves become influential figures. Her time at Abeokuta Grammar School is where she meets Israel (played by Iremide Adeoye), who becomes not only her partner but a fervent supporter of her causes.
One of the film’s most powerful scenes is the depiction of the 1947 tax protest; her struggle against the oppressive Alake (Adebayo Salami), the traditional ruler of Abeokuta, who, along with Dundee (Peter Thomas), a symbol of British imperialism, burdens Abeokuta’s working-class women with unjust taxes.
As a now well-off woman, Funmilayo (Kehinde Bankole) fights for justice, initially through peaceful means. However, the persistent refusal of the Alake and the British Empire to lift the oppressive taxes ignites this fierce protest where Funmilayo leads women to demand an end to unfair taxation imposed by the British colonial authorities. The intensity of this moment was palpable.
A Masterfully Told Biopic
Rather than a comprehensive biography, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti Movie 2024 highlights important moments in Funmilayo’s life. There are moments where the pacing feels uneven. Some scenes linger longer than necessary, while others rush through critical historical contexts that could benefit from more exploration. However, these minor flaws do not detract significantly from the overall impact of the film.
Exploring Feminism
The biopic explores the essence of feminism through Funmilayo’s story. It critiques the selective support within feminist movements, illustrating how Funmilayo’s Abeokuta Ladies’ Club received lukewarm responses. Seeking more radical action, she founded the Abeokuta Women’s Union, which garnered enthusiastic support from women beyond Abeokuta. This narrative reveals Funmilayo’s belief that feminism must recognize and address the shared oppression of women by patriarchal and capitalist systems.
Stellar Performances
Actress Kehinde Bankole delivers a riveting performance as Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti. Her portrayal is deeply emotional, capturing Funmilayo’s strength, intelligence, and indomitable will. Bankole’s ability to convey both the public and private facets of Funmilayo’s life brings a profound depth to the character, making her struggles and triumphs resonate with the audience.
The award-winning movie avoids unnecessary expositions, allowing viewers to intuitively grasp the importance of each character, regardless of their historical knowledge. Although their screen time is limited, Adeoye and Aluko-Olumoko set the film’s tone with their dynamic portrayals of young Funmilayo and Israel.
The director skillfully crafts a political treatise through this biopic and the characters who surround Funmilayo. Eniola (Omowumi Dada), a member of the Abeokuta Women’s Union, along with market leaders Mama Supo (Bukky Ogunnote) and Iya Gbangba (Esther Oluwayemi), add depth to the narrative.
The film’s direction and screenplay are commendable. The cinematography, with its sweeping shots and close-up captures, enhances the emotional weight of this movie. Bolanle Austen-Peters’s direction is both respectful and bold, honoring Funmilayo’s legacy while also highlighting the broader socio-political context of her life. The screenplay is sharp and evocative, blending historical facts with intimate moments that humanize Funmilayo beyond her public persona.