“You can’t lie to me my whole life and Ibukun me…!”
ONE QUESTION: How come this movie did not trend? Or did I miss something?
See, if you’re a football lover and also a movie addïct, then this film is a complete course meal for you. I kid you not. This movie is everything that “Onye Egwu” isn’t (if you get it).
“When Love Strikes” is a 2024 Nollywood sports drama. It’s a movie about football that actually shows the game in full action as well as the drama surrounding it - the life & struggles of players as well as their agents who do the maths in the background and make things happen behind the scene.
Written by Damola Ademola, Eku Edewor & Joy Isi Bewaji with screenplay by Chinaza Onuzo and directed by Adeoluwa Owu, this film is simply a breath of fresh air as it gives Nollywood a whole different palette.
PLOT
Ibukun ’IBK’ Saka must choose between his passion for the game of football or write a scholarship exam to further his studies just as his mother Ma Saka wants him to.
His sister Tinuke ‘Tintin’ Saka is supportive of him pursuing his love for the sports. IBK is, however, inundated by the challenges along the way. A big revelation would then threaten his foundation to the very core for a life he once thought he knew.
MY TAKE
The first thing that caught my eye is the choice of the name ‘Saka’
I believe this was not a coincidence. To me, it seems to be a parody of the Nigerian-British Arsenal Midfielder, Bukayo Saka, who, alongside other Black players, has had to deal with trolls & other racist comments for missing a penalty. This is reflected in IBK’s struggles for how he got bullied in the film.
This movie is not only interesting. It is captivating, thrilling, engaging, relatable, intriguing, and emotional. It gave me the feeling I have when I watch some Hollywood sports movies like the one about the William Sisters starring Will Smith. I shed a few tears towards the end.
That plot twist midway into the movie was mindblowingly shocking. No, I didn’t see it coming, and I'd bet you wouldn’t either.
All the actors understood their assignment and delivered sharp. From the lead actor, to Chuks Joseph (from Dark October), to Osas (my goodness, her diction & carriage in this movie made me love her more). Veteran actress Bimbo Akintola, please take your flowers ma’am. She brought her magic.
Zubby Michael as Daniel Okeke did his thing, but he appeared to have been counting his words. It’s different from his usual roles, so I’ll let him off. He acted the same way in “Onye Egwu”
The part where I felt his character come to life more was where he gave IBK a piece of his mind. The boy needed it, and Daniel Okeke spoke the truth cause who does that?
See, I’m won't lie, I was taken aback at the first realisation that Zubby Michael was playing dad to Sunshine Rosman (who played Ngozi Okeke). I later had to tell myself that it’s a possibility, especially when people give birth at a very young age. So, I’ll let them off on that.
Two characters stand out spectacularly for me, and that has to be the two commentators Jimi Akinsola & Suo Chapele. Gosh! They made the movie seem like one was watching the actual real-life game.
Is it just me, or does the lady (Suo Chapele) sound like comedienne Anita Asuoha (popularly known as Real Warri Pikin)? Honestly, I could have sworn she was the one until the camera zoomed in close. That lady is good. Super hilarious!
Storyline was on point, subplots & main plot all came together nicely, camera angles and editing were spot on, costumes, location, and props were amazing. However, IBK’s hair seems to have been experiencing some dramatic change.
For instance, towards the end when he ate his food hurriedly, his hair looked freshly done but in the next scene where he was seen at the grave side, the cornrows appeared to be at least a month old. Then, all of a sudden, when he later reappeared in a subsequent scene after that, the cornrows seemed to have been rejuvenated or revived, looking at least a minute old. Okay! Someone needs to do a little explaining there.
Another eye raiser in the movie is for when Chuks Joseph expressed his concerns to IBK after the big reveal. It made me question how old Chuks was in the film. Is he older than IBK? If so, by how many years?
On the whole, this movie is a master piece. The theme of handwritten letters exchanged between lovers as of the time referred to is so apt. Super duper love the metaphor in the title. That was clever.
Loved the ending. Somewhat predictable and cliche, but I can live with that. This was an amazing watch, and it’s absolutely worth the time which duration is equally incredible.
No numbers but highly rated.
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Greetings!
