Fifty

Fifty is a captivating Nigerian drama movie that was released in 2015, offering an insight into the lives of a group of women living in modern-day Lagos. The movie boasts an exhilarating plot that breaks away from the typical Nollywood formula, embodying a fresh and authentic portrayal of the cultural dynamics and societal expectations of Nigeria's bustling city.

Directed by the renowned Biyi Bandele and produced by the trailblazing Mo Abudu, Fifty features a stellar cast of actors, including the talented, award-winning Nse Ikpe-Etim, the seasoned Ireti Doyle, the versatile Dakore Akande, and actress turned filmmaker Omoni Oboli.

The story pragmatically explores the lives of four lead characters, navigating their personal and professional challenges while in their fifties and daring to live unabashed and unashamed. They have each reached the ‘golden age,’ a landmark age that is often met with societal expectations and baggage. In contrast to movies that portray women of a certain age as lacking ambition, Fifty boldly shatters these stereotypes, representing these entities courageously embracing their realities.

Nse Ikpe-Etim delivers a poignant performance as the character 'Kate,' a religious woman struggling with health issues and the estrangement of her family. Kate’s role underscores the importance of prioritizing personal health above societal perceptions and dropping the mask of perfection that many religious people are expected to maintain.

Ireti Doyle’s character, 'Elizabeth,' on the other hand, portrays the life of a high flying businesswoman skilled in masking her family struggles behind her highly successful career. Elizabeth's narrative embodies the challenge that many African women face in balancing their ambitions and family life, particularly in societies that still hold entrenched traditional views.

Omoni Oboli plays a reality star trapped in an unhappy marriage, craving genuine love. Her character 'Maria' resonates with the genuine human need for companionship and love beyond the glitz and glam that high society living may offer.

Lastly, Dakore Akande perfectly embodies 'Tola,' a woman of privilege, entangled in a series of relationships which mirror the real plight of women suffering emotional and physical abuse behind closed doors.

Fifty explores the landscape of modern African feminism, revealing its complexity, variety, and inherent clashes with societal norms making it much more than a movie. Styled with sounds and music from the vibrant Nigerian music scene, each track propels the plot, giving life to the characters and their stories, and painting a rich tapestry of Lagos city life.

The film encapsulates the viewer's attention with its deluxe cinematography, revealing a side of Lagos that contradicts its typical portrayal. The director remarkably captures the city’s opulence, juxtaposed against the backdrop of a crackling socio-economic atmosphere. The use of poignant shots and detailed camera work thus offers a panoramic view of Lagos' upper-class world, giving viewers a taste of its vitality and audacity.

As the movie unfolds, it challenges the notion of age as a constrictive factor. These women, in their fifties, deal with their hopes, dreams, and challenges in a strikingly contemporary manner that resonates beyond the Nigerian audience. Through humor, drama, passion, and courage, Fifty captures the essence of women reclaiming their stories, shattering ceilings, and overcoming societal, economic, emotional, and familial barriers.

Although the movie might seem dedicated to a niche audience given its specific focus on women in their fifties, it however transcends all forms of ageism, speaking volumes to viewers of all ages. Whether one is ten years away from fifty or ten years past, the narratives explored are timely, relatable, and imperative in today's context.

In conclusion, Fifty is a movie that engages on many levels. It is a work of emotive storytelling strewn with deep-seated cultural implications and incisive social commentary. It is an exploration of womanhood, a celebration of age, and a tribute to the city of Lagos. For those seeking a movie that engages, entertains, and enlightens, Fifty is a must-see. It is a testament to the African film industry's growth, gradually carving a niche in the world's cinematic scenery, one inspiring story at a time.