Movie Title: The House of Ga'a
Release Date: July 26, 2024
Duration: 2 hours 4 minutes
Director: Bolanle Austen-Peters
Cast: Jide 'JBlaze' Oyegbile, Femi Adebayo, Ibrahim Chatta, Bimbo Manuel, Lateef Adedimeji, Mike Afolarin, Tosin Adeyemi, Toyin Abraham, Adeniyi Johnson, Femi Branch, Funke Akindele,
How far will one man go to get what he wants? Insatiable, right? That's the story of Netflix's epic film 'House of Ga'a', a title that symbolises the insatiable quest for power and the consequences that come with it.
Amidst Netflix’s recent collection of Yoruba films, such as “Ajakaju: Beast of Two Worlds,” “House of Ga’a” is an unforgettable epic.
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The story of Basorun Ga'a is a famous Yoruba true story of a tyrant from Oyo-Ile. Adebayo Faleti wrote the novel Basorun Gaa, which the writer adapted for the theatre and was performed in 2010 by students. In 2004, Faleti filmed a movie based on the story.
Netflix's House of Ga'a is a captivating story that both entertains and offers an educational lesson. It is worthy of emulation for its excellent presentation and brilliant storytelling.
Although it has its roots in Yoruba tradition, its appeal transcends cultural boundaries. Its suspenseful plot and engaging dialogues appeal to both Yoruba and non-Yoruba speakers, and keep audiences hooked from beginning to end. What could this story be about?
A scene from the House of Ga'a plot
The film opens with a thrilling war scene between the Nupe and Yoruba kingdoms. Ga'a and his sons lead the Yoruba to victory, earning Ga'a the title of Bashorun of Oyo.
After the war, Ga'a chooses a Nupe slave girl, Zainab, as one of his servants, and eventually makes her his wife, much to the displeasure of his other wives. He appoints his brother Olokoye as governor of Ibadan and his first son Olaotan as governor of Dahomey and sends his other sons to govern Egbaland and Ilorin. However, he gives nothing to his younger brother Olubu, considering him a drunkard and a family disgrace.
Ga'a's son, Oyemekun, was sent to Dahomey to be trained as a warrior. Oyemekun was in love with Princess Agbonyin, whom he had wanted to marry until her father married her off to his uncle Olokoye, the governor of Ibadan.
Meanwhile, as Bashorun, Ga'a recalls how Alaafin, when he was crown prince, beat his elder brother Oluke to death.
Ga'a considers himself the most powerful man in the kingdom and refuses to bow even to the emperor. Fearful nobles allowed Ga'a to choose Alaafin, thus ensuring him a ruler who would respect him and not demand his obedience.
Ga'a's resentment towards the Alaafin grows, leading him to conspire with the Oyomesi against any Alaafin who does not submit. This continues until Majeogbe becomes Alaafin. Majeogbe, aware of Ga'a's tricks, protects himself with amulets and is determined to end Ga'a's authoritarian rule.
Majeogbe's reign is marked by his efforts to stop Ga'a violence. At the wedding of Olokoye and Princess Agbonyin, Majeogbe proposes a one-on-one sword fight between his best warrior and Ga'a's best warrior. Olaotan accepts the challenge, but Majeogbe insists that the less experienced Oyemekun fight in his place.
Majeogbe's warrior, Idi Al-Farouk, is intimidating and skilled, but when Oyemekun fights, Onisigun intervenes and stabs Idi, who kills Onisigun before dying. Devastated by the death of his son, Ga'a vows to destroy Majeogbe at any cost. But what could the price be?
A scene from the House of Ga'a Character analysis
“House of Ga’a” features a star-studded cast of top Yoruba actors including Jide ‘JBlaze’ Oyegbile, Tosin Adeyemi, Toyin Abraham, Bimbo Manuel and Lateef Adedimeji.
Femi Branch, Mike Afolarin, Femi Adebayo, Ibrahim Chatta, Adeniyi Johnson and Funke Akindele also play important roles.
Femi Branch plays the role of Ga'a with enthusiasm and conviction, an actor whose screen presence is captivating. The film chronicles Ga'a's rise to power and his inevitable fall, offering a well-told story. However, there are some things that could be improved in the narrative, particularly the pacing of certain scenes, which might test the patience of some viewers.
Branch's unique gestural dispositions speak louder than words, as his performance in portraying the character of Ga'a was apt and flawless – a proud tyrant who met his unprecedented fate.
A scene from the Netflix series House of Ga'a
Notable performances from the cast stand out, particularly those of Funke Akindele and Mike Afolarin. Akindele, who plays Ga'a's first wife, provides some much-needed comic relief, whether intentional or not. Despite her limited screen time, she leaves a lasting impression.
Afolarin shines in the role of Oyemekun, Ga'a's youngest son, who demonstrates impressive commitment to his role. The love subplot involving his character becomes the driving force of the film's third act, adding depth to the story.
A scene from the Netflix film House of Ga'a Narrative technique
The dialogue in ‘House of Ga’a’ is predominantly in the Yoruba language. The story is told from the unique perspective of one of Ga’a’s sons, Oyemekun. This narrative style adds a layer of intrigue and keeps the audience engaged.
By employing third-person omniscient narration, the film delves deeper into each character's thoughts, feelings, and motivations, even those that are not expressed to others. This narrative style adds depth and insight, explaining the characters' actions and emotions.
Third-person omniscient means “all-knowing,” and an omniscient narrator knows the thoughts, feelings, and motivations of every character.
Although part of the story, the narrator is independent of the actual story, which helps convey the backstory and substories to be consistent with the central idea of the film.
A backstory is a literary technique used to bring to light events prior to the actual event.
Oyemekun's literary techniques
“House of Ga’a” employs numerous literary techniques, including flashbacks, irony, suspense, and deus ex machina. The film explores situational irony and deus ex machina, adding layers to its narrative. Situational irony occurs when the audience expects one outcome, but something completely different happens. For example, when everyone expected the Alaafin to reward Olubu for bringing Princess Agbonyin’s son to the palace, he was killed instead, defying expectations.
Deus ex machina, the intervention of an unexpected power or event to save a seemingly hopeless situation, also features prominently. Oyemekun survives against all odds despite being shot with an arrow. This unexpected turn of events adds an element of surprise and keeps viewers engaged.
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Bashorun Ga'a Movie Review
'House of Ga'a' offers a rich and respectful exploration of Yoruba culture, covering language, dress, music, dance, worship and overall lifestyle. The writers deserve praise for blending these elements seamlessly.
At first, the plot of 'The House of Ga'a' seems like a typical Yoruba epic. However, it quickly sets itself apart through its impressive use of various literary techniques, which add intrigue and depth to the narrative.
The film excels in several aspects such as acting, production, narration, props, costumes, effects and soundtrack, and showcases the growth of Nollywood over the years. The well-chosen locations, especially the mountains and horses, enhance the historical aesthetics of the film.
Directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters, “House of Ga'a” captures viewers’ attention from the first shot to the final credits.
Austen-Peters infuses the historical epic with subtle depth, combining dramatic moments with fast-paced action. The story presents a compelling portrait of Bashorun Gaa’s complex personality, weaving a tale of ambition, power and inevitable consequences.
The authenticity of the film and meticulous direction respect the Yoruba culture and its people. From the costumes and location scouting to the dialogue, the film exudes legitimacy. “House of Ga’a” is an important film that strives to stay close to historical narratives, which is reflected in the performances.
“House of Ga’a” deserves praise for delivering another powerful, if slightly flawed, Yoruba epic.
Verdict
8/10
House of Ga'a is now streaming on Netflix.