04/02/2024
This particular movie helped me understand a lot about the Igbo Apprenticeship system. All that Kanayo discussed about an Igbo businessman is undeniably true. There are many of them in Aba, Lagos, and other parts of Nigeria. The scene where Kanayo was talking to young Afamefuna about what akpiriko is and how it works in the nwa boi system, also the Igbo business empire and how it's built on hard work and brotherhood, and what war did and how war should be avoided, makes me feel that there's more about the Igbo people I should read about. The use of the Igbo language for most parts was really refreshing; I could feel the emotion of all the characters in the movie. It makes for a beautiful cinematic experience. It's a really beautiful piece of storytelling of a system that has made a tribe spread wealth from generation to generation, making them prolific in business. Truly, this is what Nollywood is all about: culture, time, and societal education.
Alexx Ekubo's performance in Afamefuna was amazing. His portrayal of Paul hits many notes. As a big fan of Alexx, I'll say the film has the best Alex Ekubo performance I have seen in recent years.
But it was unrealistic in the part where Afamefuna had to still keep Amaka when he found out she was pregnant for another man before they got married. Even Joseph in the Bible got angry when he found out Mary was pregnant before they got together. Foolish women like Amaka still exist, and all I can say is I can never be like Afamefuna.
Another thing is, there's no way one woman will make me wait that long when there are plenty of good options to pick from. I don't know if it's just me, but I don't see myself in a talking stage past 6 months, God forbid. I've seen so many posts from Nigerian women advising their fellow delusional women to find their Afamefuna. 8 out of 10 times, men like Afamefuna aren't always treated well, especially when they end up with irresponsible women who tag themselves as baddies. As a man, you should be able to understand that baddies are for short-term gratification and shouldn't be included in your long-term goals. When you're ready to settle down, find a high-value woman and allow men like Afamefuna to always settle for the crumbs. There's a level of vulnerability you should reach with someone you love, because I agree that a man is a simp with a woman he loves and it goes both ways, but don't ever be like Afamefuna. Don't forget to ask the woman you want to marry the last time she had s*x with someone else to avoid a story in the future. It's a very important question.
"If you marry a monkey because of money, the money will one day finish, but the monkey remains."
- Kanayo. O. Kanayo
I appreciate that the movie refrained from depicting human ritual as a method of earning money because it is superstitious and inhumane. This isn't to deny people's involvement in it but to highlight that human ritual often serves as a cover-up for money laundering, fraud, and other illegal activities.
Throughout, the movie was intriguing and exciting. Although the producer and writer attempted to convey a narrative that I found disturbing, I could still understand their perspective. We'll explore this further later.
Afamefuna resembled his father and master: men who worked the land, with sweat and sometimes blood staining their backs and legs, rather than resorting to theft or begging.
Afamefuna was a man who understood the meaning of integrity. He was so passionate about his apprenticeship that he rose to a rank even his master took pride in.
He approached his work with attentiveness, always maintaining precision, fostering friendships while avoiding enmities, and strategically mapping his territory for fruitful harvests.
Despite his honesty, he risked becoming a doormat. That's where Paulo intervened. Paulo initially served as a senior colleague, then a friend, later a brother, but ultimately became an adversary.
Paulo resembled men who couldn't endure until the end. While it might not entirely be their fault, some seeds fail to reach fruition.
Paulo enlightened Afamefuna about the ways of the street, teaching him the tactics of doing business among various characters. To survive, integrity alone wasn't sufficient; one had to adopt the guise of a warrior to defend oneself and combat enemies. In Afamefuna's life, Paulo served as both shield and sword.
Afamefuna's father imparted wisdom acquired through experience, ensuring his son was never kept in the dark and provided him with daily doses of sage advice. This knowledge became invaluable when Afamefuna's boss faced financial turmoil.
The movie underscores hard work and integrity as the cornerstone of success, emphasizing the importance of discerning prime business locations and eventually becoming the town's mayor.
Afamefuna harbored feelings for his boss's daughter, but his hesitancy and Paulo's engagement to her deterred him from making romantic advances.
This damsel, Amaka, inadvertently transformed Paulo into Afamefuna's bitter enemy. While Afamefuna must shoulder some blame, Amaka played a significant role.
Paulo's jealousy over Afamefuna's favor with their boss led him down a dark path, abandoning integrity and legality in pursuit of wealth, ultimately costing him his life.
Afamefuna getting married to their boss's daughter, Amaka, further fueled the animosity between the former friends.
Afamefuna broke the bro code by pursuing his boss's daughter, while Paulo violated another rule by dating his boss's daughter.
Amaka's actions underscored the lengths women would go to prove their love, even enduring mistreatment from their partners. Despite Paulo's betrayal, Amaka remained entangled with him, displaying traits reminiscent of Stockholm syndrome.
Afamefuna exploited Paulo and Amaka's tumultuous relationship, unwittingly raising Paulo's biological son at a great personal cost due to paternity fraud.
I take issue with the movie's handling of paternity fraud. Rather than holding Amaka accountable for her actions, she was treated with sympathy.
Instead of letting Lotanna meet his biological father, Paulo, Afamefuna refused, which was exploited by Paulo as manipulative leverage.
Children affected by paternity fraud shouldn't suffer due to their mothers' negligence. Transparency from the outset is crucial for the well-being of the children in the long run. A clear example is what is happening with Wunmi, who happens to be late Mohad's wife. She has refused to do a DNA test to let people know if truly Mohbad was the father of the child. These days, I've discovered that no matter how bad or toxic you are, you will surely have followers and supporters. It's so shameful to see married women supporting her not to do DNA, and people should mind their businesses. It's no doubt that birds of the same feathers always flock together. Only if their husbands can see their comments and question their children's paternity. Many women will prefer to pack out instead of doing the DNA.
Paternity fraud represents a grave injustice against fathers and humanity, necessitating truth and justice for all involved.
Apprenticeship serves as a valuable means of nurturing individuals who will become significant economic contributors. While the Igbo Apprenticeship System endures, it requires enhanced regulations to cultivate robust economic leaders across the nation.
The movie's production quality was exceptional, featuring talented actors and a compelling storyline.
I thoroughly enjoyed the movie "Suspense"; it's the first time I've misjudged the ending of a Nigerian film.
I rate it 9/10.
