Foreign Film (Nigerian)
Language - English and Yoruba
Subtitle - English
King of Boys is a Nigerian political crime thriller that came out in 2018. It was written, co-produced and directed by Nigerian filmmaker, TV and music video director, Kemi Adetiba. She also directed the popular 2016 Nigerian romantic comedy drama, Wedding Party. This shows her admirable versatility as a Director.
Any true film connoisseur and critic should be flexible and open to watching a global range of foreign films. While it is a foreign film, a decent amount of English is spoken. However, it is predominantly in ‘Yoruba’, a language from one of Nigeria’s three main tribes.
The film starts with a party scene that shows off the rich Nigerian celebratory culture. It is the house of a wealthy business woman, political aspirant and respected philanthropist, Alhaja Eniola Salami (Sola Sobowale). She comes across as warm and loveable until we see a darker side to her.
Eniola is the Kingpin of the crime underworld where she garnered her wealth over the years. In her bid to secure a political presence, her focus shifts and the reign on her authority and hold over her connections begin to slip. This creates room for rebellion in the person of Makanaki (played by Reminisce), the head of one of her territories, and Eniola is forced to fight to regain control and authority in a devious and deadly power struggle.
There’s a lot of scattered flashbacks which build up the backstory and gives us insight into Eniola’s early years. Coming from a background of poverty and suffering, a younger Eniola’s (played by Toni Tones) ambition flourishes when she meets and begins a relationship with a powerful crime boss, Alhaji Salami (Jide Kosoko). Her strength and fearlessness are exhibited as she uses devious tactics, ruthlessness and cunning to propel herself to the very top.
Meanwhile, in present day, the added pressures of dealing with a spoilt and recalcitrant son, Kitan Salami (Demola Adedoyin) whilst also trying to defend and protect herself from political sabotage, begin to mount. The once high and proud woman is being brought low and humbled by the crumbling of her world around her. With no one to trust besides a few trusted men and her adopted daughter, a formidable lawyer, Kemi Salami (Adesua Etomi) by her side, Eniola has to rely, once again, on the resourcefulness that initially propelled her to the top.
Meanwhile, Nurudeen Gobir (Paul Sambo), a straight-laced police detective’s investigation into political corruption riddled with fraud and bribery is leading him to one and only one person….
This deep and intense film sucks you into all that it encompasses. In a world of villains, you’re forced to pick a side. The story is so real in its portrayal and speaks of the underlying corruption in Nigeria, and possibly the world at large. The Nigerian culture and tradition are greatly displayed in a way that enlightens. There is a rich and interesting use of Yoruba proverbs that convey interesting wisdom.
What is there not to like about this film? The story was engaging and, quite frankly, beautifully and awesomely told. Fantastic cast: the acting was superb! Each and every character brought exceptional passion to the film. Sola Sobowale has always displayed immense talent, but this one takes the ultimate cake – Oscar worthy performance! Reminisce, in his acting debut, was outstanding and priceless in his role as Makanaki: cool, calm but dangerous. Toni Tones as a younger Eniola made perfect sense, and she brought continuity to the character and a lionheart strength that Sola Sobowale’s Eniola had to strive to rediscover.
The authenticity of the flashbacks… how the backstory provides wholeness to the entire story, is just priceless!
Great picture and powerful main soundtrack. Director Kemi Adetiba outdid herself with this one, but then again, not surprising after seeing Wedding Party.
If you decide to keep an open mind and give this film a chance by watching it, you wont regret it! I would rate it 10 out of 10. It’s currently available to watch on Netflix.
Trailer Below:
Further Information:
Sola Sobowale as Alhaja Eniola Salami (famous actress and Director) – Also starred in the 2016 and 2017 Nigerian Romantic Comedy Dramas, Wedding Party and Wedding Party 2
Toni Tones (Gbemi Anthonia Adefuye) as young Eniola Salami (Nigerian media personality, actress and photographer) - Starred in 2016’s Nigerian Comedy Drama, It’s her Day
Adesua Etomi as Kemi Salami – Also starred in the 2016 and 2017 Nigerian Romantic Comedy Dramas Wedding Party and Wedding Party 2, as well as 2019’s Nigerian-American Action Crime Drama, Muna.
Jide Kosoko as Alhaji Salami - Starred in 2013’s Adventure Drama, Doctor Bello and 2017’s the Royal Hibiscus Hotel.
Reminisce (Remilekun Abdulkalid Safaru) as Makanaki – Nigerian singer, rapper, and song writer.
Akin Lewis as Aare Akinwade – Actor, Director and Producer. Starred in the 2019 Nigerian Political Satire Comedy Drama, Your Excellency.
Illbliss as Odogwu Malay– Nigerian rapper/hip-hop recording artist, stage performer and business man.
Demola Adedoyin as Kitan Salami – Actor and model. Starred in the 2014 Nigerian Dark Psychological Thriller, 1st of October.
Paul Sambo as Nurudeen Gobir – Starred in 2012's Nigerian romantic Drama, Mr. and Mrs.
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