The highly anticipated Nigerian historical drama ‘Hijack 93’ premiered on Netflix on October 25. Written by Musa Jeffrey David and directed by Robert Peters, the film tells the gripping true story of one of Nigeria’s most notable aviation incidents.
‘Hijack 93’ also boasted an impressive cast and thrilling trailer that heightened viewer expectations.
However, upon viewing, the movie failed to deliver on its promise fully. While adhering to real-life events understandably constrains creative freedom, the narrative structure deserved more attention beyond the captivating cinematography. Enhanced storytelling would have amplified the film’s impact, making it a more memorable experience.
SYNOPSIS
Four men hijack an airplane, leveraging passengers on board in a desperate bid to dismantle the military-backed government.
THE STRONG POINTS OF THE FILM
The cinematography in ‘Hijack 93’ is impressive, particularly through its skilled use of camera angles and impressive resolution. Given the unique challenge of filming within the confined space of an airplane, the camera work, especially during intense fight scenes, within the narrow aisle is praiseworthy. These scenes are captured precisely, making the visual experience both immersive and authentic.
Also noteworthy is the authenticity and relatability of the themes explored in the film. The film explored issues like grief, the use of wealth to exert control, tribalism, and physical abuse — all of which resonate with real-life experiences. Among these, the depiction of tribalism is particularly striking. In a pivotal moment, it’s thought-provoking to see people still clash over tribal differences.
THE WEAK POINTS OF THE FILM
The major flaw of Hijack 93 lies in its narrative structure. This encompasses crucial elements such as plot, character development, and tone. However, the film lacks this essential framework, resulting in an absence of excitement or emotional impact. As a result, moments that should evoke strong emotions, like the young lady’s death, feel flat. The motivations behind the characters’ actions are introduced, but they lack depth. For instance, being physically abused by parents doesn’t convincingly justify a desire for democratic reform.
The performances and dialogue also fall short. While it’s refreshing to see new faces in the Nollywood scene, the acting here fails to fully engage. The lead cast delivers competent performances but lacks the spark needed to elevate the film, while the minor characters felt less invested, with some delivering lines as if reading from a script. A notable example is the scene where the woman who gave birth on the plane was trying to advise one of the hijackers.
Another flaw in Hijack 93 is the costume design. Some outfits do not accurately reflect the period portrayed in the film. For example, the presence of modern accessories like durags and beanies worn by certain hijackers.
The film also leaves several unanswered questions. For instance, how was the Chinese food specifically poisoned without being mixed with meals prepared for over 50 other passengers? Also, the conclusion that Jemima conspired with the hijackers seems unfounded, as there is no clear evidence presented to justify her arrest.
FINAL VERDICT
‘HIJACK 93’ gets a 5/10
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