The Trade is another action thriller written and produced by Jade Osiberu (the director of Brotherhood and casting director of Gangs of Lagos). The 2023 Nollywood movie starts with a bangdagadang according to speed Darlington, and humor. It is an authentic Nigerian story, that was well written, well produced, completely relatable and reflecting real life.
It is so glaring that adequate research and deep thinking went into the writing and filming of this movie which Jade Osiberu testified to. According to her, the movie had been in the works for 4 years. Unlike most nollywood movies that are shot and produced in a week.
This action thriller has suspense intertwined in its plot. The story follows an elusive kidnapping king pin who has been ravaging the south-south for years. The story bears resemblance to the story of the kidnapper who ravaged Nigeria and was finally caught in 2017. The Trade is based on true life events, so we think the Evans story just might be it.
We give out the best acting skills trophy to the cast of The Trade as they all embodied their roles; it wasn't a case of over acting or unneeded scenes and dialogues. We have to testify that The main character, Eric, played by Blossom Chukwujekwu, was born for this role! He ate it, and we swallowed it! He truly embodied his character, from facial expressions, to his body posture, to his voice! We are in awe of this phenomenal actor. He came across as subtle yet dangerous.
Two of the supporting casts, Chiwetalu Agu and Charles Inojie played the roles of a kidnapper and top police officer in such a manner that was both believable and comic. We had many good laughs. Others casts like Rita Dominic, Gideon Okeke, Stan Nze, Ali Nuhu, Waje, Nengi Adoki, Shawn Faqua, Lami George, Kelechi Udegbe, Denola Grey, Mercy Aigbe, and the list goes on, all played their roles to perfection.
Let's talk about the plot. We love the way the character’s back stories are built up, forging a connection between viewers and the characters. Gideon Okeke left us pleasantly surprised as this is the first time we’ve seen him play the role of a semi-illiterate thug going by the name, Spark.
The actions in the movie are not forced, and the subtle comedy sharp and satisfying. We applaud The costume designer for using fitting topnotch costumes. We love how the lead actor is able to hide in plain sight with his multiple disguises which adds spice to the story.
One recurring issue we have had in the past with Nollywood is the rushed resolution of conflict. But The Trade gives a pretty neat resolution. It is not too long; it is not too short; it is just right, according to Goldielocks. The movie doesn't waste almost two hours building up the plot only to resolve it in ten minutes. The resolution is fitting for the movie length.
We love the originality of the story, especially the slowness of the law enforcement to respond to obvious threats, which is the reality of our situation in Nigeria. And also how over enthusiasm to do the right thing in the justice system could get you killed. The cinematography is beyond excellent!
However, one the issues we have with the movie is the title. It gives nothing away about the action and crimes yet unseen. A better title could’ve been chosen. But looking at it from an angle, one could understand why. Igbos refer to their businesses as “trade”. That's probably it, or we may be wrong. The second issue we have is the opening scene. It seems an insult to the Benz G-wagon brand that an old toyota bus could keep up in a car chase with it.
Other than that, the movie is completely enjoyable; a solid 5 stars. I promise that you would even get to a point in the movie where you start wishing the bad guy doesn't get caught. That's how good Blossom Chukwujekwu played the bad guy role!
That's our take on The Trade!
#moviereview #thetrade #primemovie #nollywoodmoviereview
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