https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBLhv0cgVSo
Gangs of Lagos Trailer

MOVIE REVIEW: Gangs of Lagos: Finally, a crime thriller that captures Isale Eko’s reality

Whether it was the spot-on casting choices, cinematography, or stunts, 'Gangs of Lagos' has set the bar high for producers in the industry.

Movie Title: Gangs of Lagos

Release Date: 7th April 2023

Director: Jade Osiberu

Runtime: 2 hours plus

Cast: Tobi Bakare, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Chike Osebuka, Chioma Chukwuka, Olarotimi Fakunle, Chioma Chukwuka, Bimbo Ademoye, Iyabo Ojo, Zlatan, Debo “Mr Maraconi” Adedayo, Yhemolee, Pasuma, Toyin Abraham, Tayo Faniran, Damilola Ogunsi, and Funke Williams.

Every year, there is always a movie that leaves viewers wanting more, be it a sequel or a series. Although it might seem too early to conclude which of Nollywood’s 2023 releases has managed to capture viewers’ hearts, it’s undoubtedly that Gangs of Lagos falls into the list of contenders.

From the same creative mind that brought a new type of action thriller to our screens in 2022 with Brotherhood comes Gangs of Lagos, another crime thriller that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. There is something about watching Jade Osiberu movies that immerse you in a world that feels yet new.

Gangs of Lagos, being the first Amazon Prime Video Original film, knocked the ball out of the park.

Whether it was the spot-on casting choices, cinematography, or stunts, the film has set the bar high for producers in the industry.

The movie’s plot revolves around a group of friends to a life of crime in the famous and daunting streets of Isale Eko. After losing loved ones, they set out on a quest for vengeance to right the wrongs of the gangs on the road.

Despite possessing many unique qualities, including an authentic representation of Lagos street life, Gangs of Lagos does have a few flaws, ranging from dialogues to the storyline. Let’s dive into the review.

The Gist
The beginning scenes show a young boy named Obalola (Tobi Bakare) threatening to kill a woman if she refused to surrender her purse. Initially thinking he was joking, she declined, but upon spotting a knife, she accepted. This incident caused him to be summoned to the “leader of the streets,” as the woman is an “omo aiye.”

Due to his courage and intellect, a gang leader named Nino is interested in him, becoming his second father figure. Unfortunately, Nino dies, causing Obalola to rely on a life of crime with his best friends, Gift (Adesua Etomi-Wellington) and Ify (Chike Osebuka). They start to work for a greedy and ruthless gang leader, Kazeem(Olarotimi Fakunle).

Things get heated when Kazeem murders one of the gang leaders, pinning it on Oba’s friends. This accusation leads to his death, which enrages Oba and the street members, and later causes a war where bloodshed and destruction are the order of the day.

The Good
A significant highlight of this film is the excellent casting choices. It was refreshing to see Adesua switch from a pretty face into a tomboy with ruthless qualities as a man. Tobi Bakare also delivers an award-winning performance as Obalola, along with Kazeem, who embodied what it takes to be a villain of the street.

How can we forget the range Chioma brought as she delivered a tear-moving monologue, and Iyabo Ojo, who, although appearing in a few scenes, was still able to express the fierceness that exists in a typical Nigerian mother?

Lastly, Tayo Faniran made us fall in love with Nino, ignoring his shortcomings.

The cinematography for Gangs of Lagos is top-tier, as the various elements make each scene aesthetically appealing for the nature of its genre. An additional ambitious cinematic part that paid off was the locations. It is remarkable to see that the movie was shot at places that can be found in the real-life Isale Eko.

Gangs of Lagos, to a certain extent, also accurately portrays what street life is like paying close attention to details that will keep viewers interested in the movie. For example, there was a lot of symbolism about the current situation of the country, especially the recent elections. The themes of political thuggery and corruption were heavily implied in many scenes.

Finally, let’s talk about the stunts and effects. Gangs of Lagos is arguably the first film to feature a professional execution of deeds. This, added to the realistic blood effects, would probably make it every Nollywood director’s guide on how to shoot an action film correctly.

Gangs of Lagos radiates with potential, but it still has a lot of room for improvement. Some scenes felt too dragged out, especially the ones with the stunts. It was almost as if the producers were trying to shove the fact that a lot of money, time, and effort went into the actions, so showing them more would give viewers time to appreciate them.

The storyline appears to have been done before. Although it would be hypocritical not to acknowledge the effort to put a new spin on it, it felt like an extra dose of creativity could have made it better.

A few dialogues also felt bland. Either the words had little impact in the context of the situation, or the delivery felt off.

The idea of making ‘Gangs of Lagos’ a movie is another issue. It would have been so much better as a TV series because then we would see character development not just for Obalola or Gift but also for people like Kazeem.

Final Verdict!

Stream it! Gangs of Lagos is one of the few films that relied on proper research to tell a story most Nigerians do not fully understand.

Verdict: 8/10

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/nollywood/592330-movie-review-gangs-of-lagos-finally-a-crime-thriller-that-captures-isale-ekos-reality.html

The way this film is everywhere is making me feel that if it's that good then they won't need to gather influencers to promote it. The promotion no be here

So...we wey get Netflix no go fit watch am.

Ok ooo

I would try and watch it

I watched it last night and it is a 65% copy of the "Gangs of New York" with a mix of Lagos settings.

The movie had good cinematography.

Good for them, I hardly watch movies

Why "Gangs of Lagos "?

We are now behaving like Koreans

Tobi Bakre is actually a good actor

mmadu5:
stupid and useless movie . animalistic actors and actress .i cant watch movies acted by skull miners peter obi haters

Is everything okay

Ok I will try see this movie. If not for anything, for the fact that Black Kamaru is there too. Well that’s what I heard , and I heard his performance there is top notch

H

mmadu5:
stupid and useless movie . animalistic actors and actress .i cant watch movies acted by skull miners peter obi haters

Be calming down

The movie, as well with others like King Of Boys, follow in line in capturing the ugly nature of Lagos state politics and Nigeria at large.

More movies like this will help people become more cognizant of what's going on in their community and nation, and proffer effective ways for change.

As with Nollywood, some scenes were predictable, e.g when Gift shot Kazeem at the end.
Nollywood like their counterpart, Hollywood, giving masculine role to the feminine always make movies less interesting. Watching Gift (Adesua Etomi) fight hardened and tough criminals made the movie had tinctures of caricature. Let men do their thing; ditto for women.

Lessons learnt:

1. Crime is an unending loop once there are myriads of benefits attached.

2. Revenge is a cycle. Only pure justice can stop it.

3. Politicians are only loyal to their bellies and pockets. No matter how loyal you're to them, they'll use you as a pawn to leverage, either to gain more or escape danger.

4. True love never dies. It can be separated, but it keeps burning.

5. Don't taste crime. Once you do, you enter into an interminable tunnel of brief joy and long sorrows.

6. Don't be a pawn on the chessboard of politicians. Deal with them from afar and with wisdom.

7. Being a good parent matters a lot. You must re-evaluate all your plans once you become a parent. It's your duty to protect your community by raising good children.

8. No true friends in gangs of criminals. Two thieves are not best of friends but worst enemies. Their proclamation of love is mere pretence.

9. Deal with trouble at the root stage. Because it becomes impossible when it germinate and grow tall.

10. We must put the community above the self. Only then bribery and corruption can be curbed to the lowest.

Gangs of Lagos is a good movie. Go watch it.

Thanks.

Lit

MISTAICEY02288:
Ok I will try see this movie. If not for anything, for the fact that Black Kamaru is there too. Well that’s what I heard , and I heard his performance there is top notch

His performance was indeed top notch.

it was an okay movie. I will rate it 5.5/10 for the effort but that's because I am comparing it to American blockbuster movies.

For Nollywood league, It would get an 7.5- 8/10.

IF YOU THE NIGERIA CITIZENS SAID YOU WANT TO REMAIN SICK ABOUT THE YOUR COUNTRY FUTURE 😂 KINDLY KNOW THAT YOUR UNBORN CHILDREN WILL CARRY THE LOAD I come in peace ✍️😂😂✍️🕛🔒😜🦴🦘

mmadu5:
stupid and useless movie . animalistic actors and actress .i cant watch movies acted by skull miners peter obi haters

you are not real. You just want to instigate people against themselves. I wonder what you stand to gain for promoting hatred.

mmadu5:
stupid and useless movie . animalistic actors and actress .i cant watch movies acted by skull miners peter obi haters

Rest, bro.

Another 2 weeks movie

mmadu5:
stupid and useless movie . animalistic actors and actress .i cant watch movies acted by skull miners peter obi haters

Lol you better don't kill yourself cos of Election afta election life still dey ...


Just go see some teraphist so dat u go dey alright las las....

Hannaz:
The way this film is everywhere is making me feel that if it's that good then they won't need to gather influencers to promote it. The promotion no be here

It's worth the hype

Orion01:
So...we wey get Netflix no go fit watch am.

It's best to do this IN United States of America than Nigeria

Ok, noted.

It should be agbero of lagos.. the title is american

You’ll heal

mmadu5:
stupid and useless movie . animalistic actors and actress .i cant watch movies acted by skull miners peter obi haters

A lady fumed that she won't see it because of the role played by that fair female actress in the run down to the elections; Toke or Toyin, her name escapes me. She even had a lot of supporters and must have influenced some other who didn't think it that way to bin the thought of seeing it. I think that is quite extreme and I think if it had Anikulapo sex scenes we see online 😉, some people for no mind am.

Thankfully, I absolutely don't watch Nigerian movies. But politics no reach where my playlist dey. Asake and co. dey make me feel like hustler of the year when I have them on😎