Oritoke

I can’t but appreciate the good work done by Toyin Aimakhu Johnson in this piece of the earth Yoruba drama titled “Oritoke”. If there is a well structured movie locally addressing the lack of awareness and misconceptions about special people in our society such as autism and imbecile, this is one among others. Social stigmatization from families, friends and society apparently makes it difficult for this children to be integrated into the larger society which this movie addressed all these listed factors.

This movie increases my curiosity in research where I discovered from a team of United States (US) experts that no fewer than 1.2million Nigerian children suffer Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) which is characterized by impaired social interaction and verbal and non-verbal communication, and by restricted, repetitive or stereotyped behaviour. I also understood the difference between an autistic child and an imbecile which was clearly presented in the movie.

Basic Info:

Year:                               2013

Genre:                             Drama

Director:                          Bayo Alawiye

Writer & Producer:          Toyin Aimakhu Johnson

Screened Played:             Toyin Aimakhu Johnson, Adeniyi Johnson & Bayo Alawiye

Cast: Muyiwa Ademola, Afeez Eniola, Kanyinsola Eniola, Biodun Okeowo, Adeniyi Johnson, Toyin Aimakhu Johnson, Remi Surutu, Afonja Olaniyi amongst others

Synopsis

With the full support of her family and friends, Oritoke Coker (Toyin Aimakhu Johnson) was able to survive the social stigmatization and rejections in the larger society in achieving her dream. No thanks to a very good unusual friends Toyin (Kanyinsola Eniola) between an autistic adult (Oritoke) and an imbecile (Jimoh) a role played by Adeniyi Johnson.

Notable Quote(s)

“There is ability in every disability” by Muyiwa Ademola 

X-ray Room

Story: This movie is about the life and travail of Oritoke as a physically challenged individual with autism, it is a single story movie with several plots. There are well thought out plots around Oritoke; such as the causes of her autism which was hereditary from her father (Muyiwa Ademola), her deep relationship with Toyin and Jimoh, the inherent talent she possesses with the drumming ability and most importantly the family love she enjoyed from her siblings especially Debo (Afeez Eniola). The story also introduced the Jimoh character which was not the focus of the movie. In all it was a good storyline, nothing really outstanding just a usual and normal story. Nothing can really get you thinking out of the box but was hilarious. 

Predictability: The story is highly predictable from the beginning of Part 1 to the end of Part 2, you could easily determine the end point. With this type of story line do you really need a tactical concept? The writer was focused on sensitising the public on the positivity and values in the life of people suffering with autism though could be done with a much better concept.

Acting: I will like to give three wonderful cheers to Adeniyi Johnson on his role as Jimoh an imbecile. Rating the actors in this movie, I will rate him very high as the most impressive character who maintains his role through the entire drama, will score Jimoh 4 out of 5. Another impressive actor is Toyin (Kanyinsola Eniola), young and intelligent girl with brilliant display, please let’s give a toast to this upcoming actor, will rate her 3 out of 5. Gbemisola – Oritoke’s stepmother (Remi Surutu) also had an outstanding and matured display will rate her 3 as well. What a unique performance from Debo (Afeez Eniola) Oritoke’s half-brother, he showed undiluted love and respect to Oritoke, likewise Oritoke (Toyin Aimakhu) put her best act into the role, though noticed some character fall out but was a good performance, will rate both 2 out of 5. The general performance of all the actors in this movie was rated average with dedicated passion to the course of the public awareness.

Costumes/Props: The costumier did a good job with all the cast especially on Oritoke, giving her necessary old school wears portraying her character. The costume of the School Proprietor is out of point, this is an elite school situated in Lekki, the Proprietor should have been given a good carriage and befitting costume than the appearance as an Headmaster or preferably, he should have been referred to as the Head of Teacher or Headmaster.

Make-up/Continuity: There are lots of inconsistency with the make-up applied on Muyiwa Ademola (Oritoke’s father). The white substance or powder used at the tips of his hair wasn’t regular, at the school scene, he had the white hair behind his head which was not the case at other scenes. Is there no continuity presence at the location?

Directing: With all the good work done by the movie Director (Bayo Alawiye) in delivering the production, what was he thinking with the talent hunt scene? The scene was unnecessarily prolonged, the judges were not coordinated. This is just typical of Nigerian movies in an attempt to unnecessarily drag a movie into Part 2 .

Production: The claim of spending about N17million on this production is evident on the quality of both the video and audio, I don’t need further questions in this regard but it was a good production in its home video quality.

Musical Score: Very good theme song and i like the blend of sound tracks (musicals) and the composed song. What a good work!!

Your comments would be appreciated.