Movie Review: 76

76 is a movie that reveals deep insight into the military era and politics in Nigeria, with a love story to create a balance, the filmmaker, Izu Ojukwu showcases key characters and key happenings of the military coup 1976.

Shot at Mokola Baracks, Ibadan, Nigeria,  the movie gets the backing of top military players, but depicts lack of maintenance which plays to the benefit of the filmmaker. The plot reveals a plot  by two acts (Gomos) Chidi Mokeme who tries to convince Dewa (Ramsey Nuoah)  to get involved in a coup  in order to overthrow the present head of state.

At first, the movie starts on a dull note as it is difficult to hear the military politics the major acts are planning, the lighting at the late night scene in which Chidi Mokeme was trying to convince Ramsey Nuoah did not help matters as one could barely see what was going on.

Up next was pregnant Rita, the strong and resilient girlfriend of Ramsey Nuoah, who loves him very much but felt insecure as her ‘boyfriend” was secretive and was not ready to perform proper marriage rites on her. Rita proves her strong character as a fashionable young woman, who despite her shame, was ready to go into deep, unknown battles with her soldier boyfriend for love.

76  got more intriguing as Rita’s family showed up and accuses Ramsey Nuoah of not paying their ‘daughter’s bride price, this is a typical African story, as it is a taboo for a woman to start living with a man who has not paid her bride price, let alone get pregnant. The scene ends up in a fight and Nuoah throws them out.

Nuoah’s refusal to participate in the Coup puts him in the centre of a dangerous man hunt from all fronts (his colleague, Gomos and girlfriend’s brother.) He refuses to also confide in his girlfriend and ends up being ‘guilty’ for conspiracy and treason.

Izu ojukwu, for one, pays apt attention to detail, as he was able to perfectly capture the old school costumes, old model Peugeots, televisions, and cars which were used in those times.

One would ordinarily wonder if the character of Ibinabo Fiberesima could have been left out or told as a story-within-a story, as her introduction in the movie seemed like an after-thought as she couldn’t make a memorable entrance.

The character of Daniel k. Daniel was too idle, as one wished the director could have given him more to contribute to the movie, he was loyal to his boss’ Ramsey Nuoah, he knew the truth, but was afraid for his life, I for one,  kept wishing he could struggle to get his boss out of jail.

However, Izu Chukwu mastered the art of suspense as the character of Captain Jaiye, was a character who was able to successfully deceive the audience with his next move, he appeared warm and calm, but his sting was as that of a snake. Also, his choice of Ramsey Nuoah, adds more spice as the actor brought his good prowess and maturity, which is pertinent to telling a good story. 76 is a love and war story with a fine blend of professionalism and a mastery of history.