Title: HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (1 – 3)

Starring: Kanayo O. Kanayo, Clarion Chukwurah, Jibola Dabo, Yemi Blaq

Synopsis:

A senator seeking office as a state governor finds himself entangled in an investigation while he witnesses those around him sell their souls for power and position.

Review:

While Steve Williams (Kanayo O. Kanayo) was in the midst of campaigning for the Executive Governor of the State of Nigeria, it was anything but simple. As with any campaign it required financial backing and voter support. His “godfather” Otunba (Jibola Dabo) was more than happy to assist him monetarily. Otunba was a wealthy man that lived life above the law and having a government official in his back pocket suited his purposes. 

Otunba wasn’t the only person waiting to reap the benefits of Steve’s position. Grace (Clarion Chukwurah), Steve’s wife, had aspirations to be first lady. She was no longer in love with him but she stayed in the marriage for its promised prestige. 

Grace was really in love with Paul (Yemi Blaq), the man that happened to be her husband’s personal assistant. Paul had the audacity to work for Steve while he screwed his wife. The story became interesting when Steve caught them. A murder attempt was made on both Paul and Grace’s lives shortly after. Luckily, they got away and Paul kept a low profile until he came across a way to keep the thugs off of his back. 

The drama became more complex when Steve succumbed to an affair with, of all people, Otunba’s wife. Evelyn (Lillian Bach) was married to Otunba for financial purposes and she tried to fill a void in her life with Steve while she also slept with Paul. Yes, Paul, Steve’s assistant. Paul had affairs with both Grace and Evelyn and a third woman that came along later in the story. 

So while the aspiring governor and his wife cheated on each other, they projected a united front to the rest of the world and pretended to be a happy couple. Otunba was willing to eliminate anyone that interfered with Steve’s progress to the state house while Steve dealt with a trifling wife and his own disgraceful affair. Kidnapping, rituals, and murder were just the beginning.    

Let’s Talk. Sex, lies, and videotape is the name of the game. This is a well-layered drama surrounding politics. It opens up with a bang as Steve’s driver is murdered right in front of him. Steve wasn’t the intended target but there was a motive behind the shooting and as the story unfolded all hidden agendas were revealed.

Just about everyone was having an affair. Steve risked tarnishing his respectable image by becoming involved with the ruthless Otunba and his seductive wife. Media appearances and meetings allowed him to keep up appearances while he kept the public in the dark about his personal drama. 

The movie served as a reflection on political strategy. It offered an overview on what it takes to influence – on what it takes to win. It was also an analysis of sorts on President Obama’s success to the White House. The dialogue was crisp, thought provoking, and not only pertained to government but also to life. 

As for performances, most were on point. Some of the women overacted in some scenes while some of the lesser-known actors obviously lacked experience. Kanayo O. Kanayo played his role with class while Yemi Blaq was as cool as a cucumber. Jibola Dabo had the most intriguing role and he was a pleasure to watch. 

“High Blood Pressure” is an alluring merge of politics and lust that is devoid of yawning. It’s not the kind of movie where you watch part one today and part two tomorrow. It’s a movie that you watch at once, in entirety, due to a scandalous and riveting plot. RECOMMEND