Nollywood has not explored the historical drama genre much so it good for see Izu Ojukwu attempt another after directing “76”.
“Amina” is based on a true story and follows the life of a 16th-century empire warrior, Amina of Zazzau (now Zaria). The titular character played by Lucy Ameh, was the first woman to become a queen in a male-dominated society and helped expand the Hausa people’s territory and trade routes in north Africa.
The film begins with a duel between Zazzau’s champion Kabarkai and Danjuma. After witnessing the fight, a young Amina goes on to tell her father, the Emir of Zazzau (Abu Chris Gbakann) that she wants to be a warrior. Her decision was frowned upon by the Magaji Mjinyawa who stated that the Zazzau’s armies has never recruited a woman. Against all odds, Amina would eventually ascend the throne of Zazzau but would the costs be worth it?
The film, “Amina,” is good for the historical content. For a casual history student, it would be interesting to note the relationship between the people of Zazzau and Igalaland (in Nigeria’s middle belt) among other things. The girls who played the young Amina and her sister Zaria, a scene with vultures eating corpses and the aerial shot of the two armies running towards each other to clash in the final epic battle are commendable. But that is as good as it gets.
The costumes, the fight sequences and elements of the story when put together, make the period piece fall short of expectations. There is no doubt that Ojukwu did well with his historical drama “76” but the film “Amina” leaves more to be desired. Perhaps Nigerian filmmakers are not imaginative enough to tell a 16th-century story. It was however good to see Clarion Chukuwra after a long hiatus from Nollywood. She plays a priestess with a poorly developed back story; as such, the audience does not get to enjoy her acting.
