REVIEW: ‘Asiri Ade’ is a royal masterpiece with room for improvement

The epic film ‘Asiri Ade‘, directed by Adeoluwa Owu, premiered on Circuits TV, a newly launched virtual cinema, in December 2024.

The movie’s central theme, which explores the secrets and sacrifices of kingship, is familiar in Nollywood. ‘Asiri Ade’ breathes fresh life into this theme with unique storytelling, impeccable set design, and standout performances. Although it has minor flaws, the film is a compelling watch.

Watch the trailer below:

SYNOPSIS

In this atypical tale of politics, love, and intrigue, two kingdoms contemplate a royal union for different motives. A hidden romance, a lurking killer, and a power struggle raise the stakes. Will love triumph or lead to ruin?

STRONG POINTS OF THE FILM 

One of the standout elements of ‘Asiri Ade’ is its impeccable set design. The palace, with its wooden chairs, statues, traditional wall paintings, and carefully arranged rooms, exudes the wealth and grandeur befitting royalty. It is clear that every detail was intentional, creating an authentic and visually striking setting.

Beyond the palace, the marketplace was another impressive feat. Rather than appearing sparse or staged, it felt vibrant and lived-in, populated with enough characters to reflect the true essence of a bustling Yoruba market. The attention to detail not only enhanced the film’s realism but also subtly showcased various traditional professions, adding an extra layer of cultural richness that was truly beautiful to see.

The performances in the film are another major highlight, with every actor fully committed to their roles. Omowunmi Dada, in particular, delivered an outstanding performance, showcasing both emotional depth and an impressive command of the Yoruba language. I never knew she could speak Yoruba so fluently, and it was truly commendable. She carried the role effortlessly, making her nomination for Best Lead Actress at the 2024 AMVCA well-deserved. Mike Folarin also delivered a stellar performance, effortlessly switching between two contrasting characters — ruthless and meek — without missing a beat. Gabriel Afolayan’s emotional depth was another standout, especially in the scenes where he teared up so naturally that it felt raw and believable.

The other cast members — Bolanle Ninalowo, Akin Lewis, and Fathia Balogun — brought their A-game as well. It was refreshing to see Ninalowo step away from his usual roles as the smooth-talking guy with an accent and tattoos, and Lasisi Elenu from his usual comedic roles.

Despite being a plot that has been explored before, ‘Asiri Ade’ remains unpredictable, thanks to its unique twist and clear, straightforward narrative. Every loose end was eventually tied, leaving no lingering questions— a brilliant approach to making a familiar story feel fresh and engaging.

The film’s use of language and its rich portrayal of Yoruba culture were truly commendable. From dialogue to the detailed representation of tribal marks, traditional costumes, marriage customs, and the emphasis on the need for an heir in royalty, ‘Asiri Ade’ captures the essence of Yoruba heritage.

The cinematography and sound were equally impressive. It’s clear that Nollywood has made significant strides in this area, with the quality of visuals and camera angles in recent films reaching a good level. The shots were crisp and well-framed and enhanced the storytelling beautifully. The sound design also did exactly what it was supposed to — neither too loud nor too low, but just right to create the necessary thrill and atmosphere for each scene. It was a well-balanced execution that added to the film’s overall impact.

‘Asiri Ade’ skillfully weaves together themes of betrayal, love, power, secrets, and vengeance, ensuring each one plays a meaningful role in the story. None of these themes felt forced or out of place, they flowed seamlessly within the plot, adding depth to the storyline.

THE WEAK POINTS OF THE FILM 

However, ‘Asiri Ade’ is not without its flaws. The pacing feels uneven, with the beginning dragging a bit and the ending feeling too rushed. Akinade’s decision should have been more complex — considering the weight of what he had to do, it didn’t feel like he wrestled with it enough. It would have been more convincing if he had struggled more with his choices than acting swiftly. That moment lacked the emotional weight it deserved.

Another issue was the masked man’s easy access to the palace. With the number of guards present, it didn’t make sense that he could get in so effortlessly. A bit more thought into that scene’s execution would have made it feel more realistic.

Another flaw in the film was the unrealistic effects and makeup. While the tribal marks were well-executed, some other aspects felt exaggerated or poorly done. For instance, Ajagungbade’s beards looked artificial and inconsistent. How could his beard be completely white while his hair remained black? Small details like this should have been given more attention. The visual effects also fell short in certain scenes. The severed penis, for example, didn’t look convincing at all and came off more like carved wood than an actual body part. The newborn baby scene had potential and was impressive in some ways, but it could have been more detailed. Simply covering the baby in blood wasn’t enough, and the fact that the baby had no umbilical cords made the scene feel incomplete.

FINAL VERDICT 

‘Asiri Ade’ gets a 8/10