Title: DIVINE LOVE (1 & 2)

Starring: Majid Michel, Jackie Appiah, Van Vicker, Rama Brew, George Williams

Synopsis:
A young woman must choose between the man she loves and the affluential man chosen for her.

Review:
The Bertel family was about to partake in a new factory that was coming to Accra by way of businessman, Maxwell Asamoah (Van Vicker). Mrs. Bertel was excited not only because she had an interest in owning shares in the business, but because Maxwell was the kind of man she wanted her daughter, Kate (Jackie Appiah), to marry.

Maxwell arrived in Ghana and the Bertels hosted him in their home. Kate was gracious enough to show him around town and as they spent time together they fell madly in love.

It was later discovered that there were two Maxwells in the company and the Maxwell that Kate fell in love with was employee, Maxwell Darkho (Majid Michel). Naturally, Mrs. Bertel was disappointed that Kate fell for the worker instead of the boss. 

Maxwell Asamoah, the owner of the business, later arrived in Ghana and he also stayed with the Bertels when the other Maxwell returned to the US. Mrs. Bertel was adamant that Kate consider the prominent Maxwell Asamoah for a husband. By the time the first Maxell returned to Ghana to resume his relationship with Kate, she had reluctantly become engaged to his boss.

Let’s Talk. Love stories. What would life be without them? This one is pretty much a love triangle set within the confines of an arranged marriage and it was a case of mistaken identity that caused broken hearts. 

Kate, played by Jackie Appiah, had chosen to love the regular guy but her money-driven mother wanted her to marry for status. Financial gain seemed more important than her wellbeing but as with most romantic movies, true love prevailed.

The drama raised the issue of arranged marriages as they seem to neglect the will of the heart. These agreements are all about what’s best for the family and the parties involved in the marriage don’t seem to have a say about this integral and very personal part of their lives. When is it appropriate to flout traditions?

As for the story, it was just okay. Love triangles should be played out by now but that will never happen in the movie industry. The writer came up with two charismatic love interests and it would have been acceptable for either of them to come out on top. 

What was disappointing was that the movie had quite a bit of montages that not only wasted screen time but it was also a cop out to meaningful dialogue.

What worked was the natural magnetism between Jackie Appiah and her love interests, Majid Michel and Van Vicker. It was easy to root for any of the two relationships because chemistry oozed from their pores. 

Performances? Emotions were heartfelt amongst the lead actors while Rama Brew brought it home with her portrayal of an ambitious and overbearing mother.

“Divine Love” is one of the early movies that kickstarted the careers of Jackie, Majid, and Van, and thus, it remains a Ghanian favorite. RECOMMEND