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Nollywood Focus Review
Film
Title:
Dangerous Friends
Starring:
Mike Ezuronye, Onyeka Onwenu, Steph Nora Falana, Ernest
Obi,Yemi Blaq
Director:
Ernest
Obi
Screenplay:
Steph Nora Falana
Studio:
Hallmark Studios
Genre:
Drama
Time:
2hrs 32min.
Reviewer:
Uloma Ibegbulam
Dangerous Friends is a film about friendship, betrayal and Love in
which two friends; Steve (Yemi Blaq), and Martin (Mike
Ezuronye) are thrown into enmity over the affections of
Annette (Steph Nora falana). What began as a simple bet between friends
on which one of them could win Annette’s love degenerates
into a feud that lasts throughout and beyond their days at university. Steve ends up marrying the well-off Annette, and
gets his teeth into her money - enriching himself in the
process. Martin however, is not so lucky and has had it
rough since graduation from university until fate brings him
together again with Steve, who has eschewed their bitter
past. Steve lends a helping hand to Martin, offering
him the job he so badly needs. But unknown to Steve, Martin
has not buried the hatchet. Steve is soon on the receiving end
of a bitter revenge campaign from Martin who recruits
Steve’s ex-girlfriend Esther, and a few other dubious
characters, all in the bid to destroy his friend. This leads
to the major conflict that plays out in the film.
Cutting deeper into the real substance of the film,
Dangerous Friends attempts to show how simple but
complicated the average human mind can be when it is tested;
How we all perceive things and ultimately how we react to
them.
Love was sweetly exhibited for a while, by Annette and
Steve, but was not forgiving. Consequently, the revelations
made by Martin at the end of the film, was too painful for
Annette to bear.
The story is interesting, captivating and has a decent dose
of suspense. And although the film raises many conflicts, some of which
are not fully resolved, it is able to engage my interest
through to the end. The characters in the film are
under-developed and are simply not challenging. It always
takes a good deal of acting skills and experience to carry
or interpret ordinarily boring characters into engaging and
captivating ones. This is the task the actors and actresses in Dangerous
Friends face.
Thumbs up to Ufuoma Ejenobone (Esther), for an excellent
interpretation and execution of her role. She is spontaneous
with her emotions, and is convincing in her role. She also
has the looks that suit the part.
Mike Ezuronye (Martin) also does credit to his role. He is
known to use his facial expressions very well, and Martin’s
“viciousness”, come across perfectly.
The costume requirements are not particularly challenging,
but are sensibly executed.
As for the make up, it is important to note that the two
lead male actors are not properly prepared; it was a
recurrent sight to see them sweating in scenes that they
were supposed to appear as cool as cucumbers. We also see Annette all made up in her night dress, ready
to go to bed; this does not portray the real world.
The director (Ernest Obi) is able to convey the story as
simply as possible. He sustains the suspense with the timely
infusion of the flash back at the end of the film.
However, a good film transforms into a very good film when
the director explores and effectively employs all his
artistic devices; the film must be visually pleasing and
engaging; and this is most often achieved through the
creative use of the camera, setting and scenery, engaging
dialogue and excellent sound. We do not see all these
elements fully employed in the film. The camera shots are
too flat and a bit clumsy at times. However , I applaud the
director for keeping it real by choosing realistic locations
as home and office scenes; contrary to the extra-large and
over furnished locations Nollywood is known for.
Further, for a film with two parts, I do not believe the
director achieves the desired closure; viewers are left
wondering what becomes of Annette and Steve’s “love”. Or
maybe there is a part three?
On the positive side, the dialogue is simple and suits the
mood of the film; and would not task your concentration.
Dangerous Friends is well worth the time.
Nollywood Focus Rating: *** Good.
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