By Mava John Joshua
House of Ga’á is an assumed historical action-drama fiction that tells the story of Bashorun Ga’a (Femi Branch), a powerful military chief in 18th century Oyo Empire.
It begins with Ga’a leading a contingent of warriors to battle against the Nupe kingdom, which they later won and as usual after every battle the spoils of war are gathered together.
With this feat, Gaá was elevated to the position of Bashorun hence the title of the drama “Bashurun Ga’a” because everything revolves around him. It is good to note that, the position of Bashorun in Yoruba land is a Prime Minister.
Ga’á was a brave and powerful man who was respected and feared by the people of Oyo-Ile for his potent charms and supernatural strength. This promotion entered the head of Ga’a and as the saying goes “money does not change a man but magnifies what is already there”
This Chieftaincy title brought out the inert tendencies of Ga’a that even resulted in him having loyalist to him that took an oath resulting in his high headedness even requesting a king to bow before him.
Furthermore, the film boasts impressive production values, with stunning costumes, sets, and cinematography. The cast delivers strong performances, particularly Femi Branch as the titular character.
We see an engaging storyline, which explores themes of power, loyalty, and betrayal, Well-developed characters, with complex motivations and backstories, impressive action sequences, showcasing traditional Yoruba martial arts.
However, the film falls short in pacing, with some scenes feeling rushed and others dragging on, character development, as some supporting characters feel underutilized, we observe some historical inaccuracy, with some artistic liberties taken to enhance the narrative.
We also see lack of subtlety: The themes of power, loyalty, and betrayal are heavy-handedly presented, leaving little room for interpretation or nuance. Overemphasis on action: While the action sequences are averagely impressive, they overshadow the story’s emotional depth and character development. Stereo-typing: The film relies on tired stereotypes when depicting certain characters, reinforcing harmful tropes rather than offering fresh perspectives.
The story relies on convenient plot devices and coincidences, which feel contrived and detract from the narrative’s credibility. Lack of character growth: The main character’s development feels limited, with little visible growth or change throughout the story. Unsatisfying conclusion.
The climax feels rushed and convenient, with loose ends tied up too neatly, leaving viewers feeling unsatisfied. Some observant viewers may notice minor technical flaws, such as inconsistent sound quality or awkward editing transitions.
In conclusion, we see an engaging storyline, strong performances, impressive production values but in contrast though, still , “GA’A” is a compelling and visually stunning film that offers a glimpse into Nigeria’s supposed rich history. While it has some flaws, it’s a worthwhile watch for fans of historical dramas and African cinema.
However, viewers seeking a strictly historically accurate depiction may want to approach with caution.
It is directed by Bunmi Ajakaiye and Produced by Femi Branch.
