Movie Review: “House of Ga’a” tells a compelling African story with a universal appeal

“House of Ga’a,” directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters, is a cinematic endeavour that dives quickly into the cultural and historical tapestry of the once-powerful Oyo empire. 

The film boasts impressive set pieces, meticulous attention to cultural detail, and a story that, while predictable, delivers a captivating portrayal of power, tradition, and human frailty. 

Austen-Peters, known for her vibrant storytelling and ability to highlight African narratives, brings her expertise to this period piece, although it does not entirely escape the trappings of conventional storytelling.

Plot Summary of “House of Ga’a:

The film opens with a gripping fight scene that sets the tone for the rest of the movie. 

This scene is not just a display of physical prowess but also a vivid illustration of the strength and valour of Ga’a and his warriors. 

The initial glimpse of the king before the battle, accompanied by a mysterious head, adds an intriguing albeit minor question mark that hangs over the narrative. 

From here, the story progresses through the rise of Bashorun Ga’a, his pompous transformation post-coronation, and the various power struggles that ensue, including a notable challenge between Ga’a’s son, Oyemekun, and King Majeogbe’s greatest warrior.

Character Development:

The characters in “House of Ga’a” are well-defined and distinct. 

Bashorun Ga’a, portrayed with a mix of charisma and menace, stands out as a multifaceted character whose journey from a revered warrior to a pompous leader is both believable and engaging. 

His relationship with Zeinab, his soft spot, adds depth to his otherwise stern persona, providing a glimpse into the personal vulnerabilities that lie beneath his powerful exterior.

Oyemekun, Ga’a’s son, is portrayed as a trained warrior with his arc of bravery and unexpected moments of cowardice. 

The film attempts to explore his internal struggles, though his abrupt capitulation in certain scenes, such as his face-off with King Majeogbe’s warrior, feels inconsistent and undermines his character’s development.

Cinematography and Visuals:

Visually, “House of Ga’a” excels. The use of local language throughout the film is not just a nod to authenticity but also a significant factor in immersing the audience into the cultural milieu of the story. 

The cinematography captures the grandeur of the settings and the intricate details of the costumes, enhancing the film’s historical ambience. 

Scenes involving the crowd are particularly noteworthy, with excellent organisation and choreography that bring to life the communal aspects of the kingdom and its people.

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Picture Quality, Use of Technology and Visual Effects (VFX):

Nollywood has made significant strides in enhancing picture quality, and “House of Ga’a” exemplifies this progress. The film boasts crisp, vibrant visuals that capture the lush landscapes and intricate set designs with impressive clarity. This high level of picture quality elevates the viewing experience, making the historical settings and cultural details come alive on screen.

The use of VFX in “House of Ga’a” is sparing but impactful. One notable scene involves the head of the Nupe king, which unfortunately falls short of realism, detracting from the otherwise immersive experience. However, the film redeems itself with other sequences. Ga’a‘s transformation into an elephant and back is executed with finesse, showcasing the film’s capability to blend traditional storytelling with modern technology. 

Another effective use of VFX is the scene where a snake bites the Ga’a-installed Alaafin. This moment is convincing and engaging, demonstrating the film’s ability to employ special effects to enhance the storytelling without overshadowing the plot. 

Also, when Oyemekun opened Sasa’s (the Chief Priest) abdomen and his intestine came out, we saw another version of realism in the story. 

However, that fire scene, where Ga’a and his guard are burned should have been left out. 

The advancements in picture quality and selective use of VFX significantly enhance the storytelling in “House of Ga’a.” The high-quality visuals ensure the audience remains visually engaged, allowing the cultural and historical richness of the film to shine through. Effective VFX moments, like Ga’a’s transformation and the snake bite, add intrigue and excitement, enriching the narrative without relying on them as crutches.

While the film does face challenges with some of its visual effects, these are outweighed by the successful integration of technology in other areas. 

“House of Ga’a” benefits from the technological advancements in Nollywood, making it a visually compelling film that effectively supports its storytelling ambitions.

Sound Design and Music:

The film’s sound design and musical score complement its visual appeal. 

Traditional African instruments and melodies underscore key moments, reinforcing the cultural setting. 

However, there are points where the underground narration feels jarring and out of place, disrupting the narrative flow and detracting from the immersive experience.

Pacing and Narrative Structure:

While the film’s story is predictable, with zero surprises or suspenseful moments, it maintains a steady pace that keeps the audience engaged. 

The decision to minimise flashbacks is a wise one, allowing the narrative to unfold more organically and maintaining a clear forward momentum.

However, the predictability of the plot is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it provides a straightforward, easy-to-follow story. On the other, it lacks originality and unpredictability that could have elevated it from good to great. 

The film adheres to the familiar trope of bad men facing the consequences of their actions, which, while satisfying to some extent, leaves little room for nuanced exploration of moral ambiguity.

Themes and Messages:

“House of Ga’a” touches on several important themes. These include power, tradition, and the human condition. 

Ga’a’s transformation post-coronation serves as a cautionary tale about the corrupting influence of power and the loss of humility. The film also delves into the idea that every powerful figure has a vulnerable side, as illustrated by Ga’a’s relationship with Zeinab.

However, the film could have benefitted from exploring these themes in greater depth. The narrative hints at but doesn’t fully capitalise on the potential for a more complex portrayal of tyranny and its consequences. A more nuanced take on these themes could have provided a richer, more thought-provoking viewing experience.

Continuity and Cohesion:

One notable issue with the film is its continuity, particularly concerning Ga’a’s physical condition. After being depicted as a cripple following an attack on his house, Ga’a’s sudden recovery at the palace raises questions. This inconsistency detracts from the otherwise meticulous attention to detail and undermines the film’s internal logic.

Also, Oyemekun’s character arc suffers from a lack of coherence. As a trained warrior, his sudden display of cowardice in the face of danger feels out of character and disrupts the narrative flow. These inconsistencies highlight a need for more rigorous continuity in the storytelling.

Director’s Influence:

Bolanle Austen-Peters’ directorial influence is evident throughout the film. 

Her background in theatre and commitment to highlighting African narratives are clear in the film’s meticulous production design and cultural authenticity. Austen-Peters has a knack for creating visually captivating scenes that are rich in cultural detail, and “House of Ga’a” is no exception.

Her direction ensures that the film’s strengths—character development, use of local language, and visual appeal—are prominent.

However, the film’s shortcomings in terms of plot originality and narrative coherence suggest areas for growth in her future projects. With her talent and dedication, Austen-Peters is well-positioned to continue making significant contributions to African cinema.

Historical Context and Industry Impact:

“House of Ga’a” is set against a backdrop of fictionalised African history, drawing inspiration from various historical and cultural elements. This approach allows the film to explore universal themes within a specific cultural context, making it relatable and distinctive.

In terms of industry impact, the film contributes to the growing recognition and appreciation of African cinema on the global stage. It highlights the richness of African stories and the importance of cultural representation in film. By incorporating local languages and cultural nuances, “House of Ga’a” underscores the value of authenticity in storytelling.

The film also reflects the broader trend of African filmmakers gaining prominence and creating works that resonate with both local and international audiences. As part of this movement, “House of Ga’a” demonstrates the potential for African cinema to tell compelling, culturally grounded stories that have universal appeal.

Final Thoughts:

Overall, “House of Ga’a” is a commendable film that showcases Bolanle Austen-Peters’ talent for bringing African stories to the screen. 

With its visually stunning, culturally rich and strong characterisations, the movie offers a glimpse into the great Oyo empire and the complexities of power and tradition. While its predictable plot and occasional narrative distractions prevent it from achieving greatness, it remains a noteworthy contribution to African cinema.

For viewers seeking an engaging historical drama with well-crafted characters and a strong cultural foundation, it delivers a satisfying experience.

No doubt, in African cinema, “House of Ga’a” is a solid entry.