Title: OSHIMIRI THE GREAT RIVER (1 – 4)

Starring: Ebele Okaro, Queen Nwokoye, Eve Esin, Sam Obiagu, Zubby Michael

Synopsis:
A King’s refusal to heed the warnings of the village priestess leads to catastrophic danger when an evil deity, native to the village, returns to exert her power.

Review:
It all started in the Anike Village when a barren woman desperately wanted a child. She had been married for five years without producing and she was on the verge of losing her husband. She was approached by an evil deity that promised her the “egg of procreation” but, of course, there was a cost. In exchange for a child, the woman agreed to give her soul to the deity. Both she and her husband died after the birth of their daughter, Uduka. 

The King (Sam Obiagu) wanted to raise Uduka (Queen Nwokoye) because he believed she was the offspring of his brother but the village priestess warned that the child was the fruit of evil and advised that she be killed. The king was concerned about killing an innocent baby so he instead sent the child to live in a distant kingdom to be raised by a family member.

Years later when Uduka was an adult she had no idea that she was the seed of a deity but she eventually took ownership of her descent. She returned to the Anike village and suddenly the Oshimiri River that once healed had become soiled, the villagers were overwhelmed with illness, and death took its toll.

The King and Queen were immediately alarmed and in order to prevent further destruction, sacrifices had to be made and a solution to battling the supernatural became the challenge.

Let’s Talk. This is a traditional African tale that’s brimming with mystical commotion surrounding an enchanting plot. It’s a story of good versus evil with an ample dose of unearthly circumstances.

The story was reminiscent of the movie “Bleeding Tree” in that a woman (also played by Queen Nwokoye) was unknowingly related to a deity. The difference is that “Bleeding Tree” had a romantic aspect whereas this drama presented a tale of war.

The setting took place in a rural village which gave the movie its ancient vibe and primitive lifestyle. The people were content because the land produced crops needed and life’s necessities were met. The town would have remained peaceful if weren’t for that one woman that made the detrimental deal.

The production was an ambitious collaboration that presented an impactful story, moments of shock, and crude violence. The one fault, however, was its second-rate visual effects. But this is forgivable because Nollywood filmmakers don’t work with Hollywood budgets so they make the best of what they have.

Costumes, make-up, and hair were admirable. These departments proficiently established the look and culture which brought a level of credibility to the story.

As for performances, Queen Nwokoye is obviously an adaptable actress and she brought her cruel disposition to the table. Eve Esin was also featured and she no doubt took command of her role as the headstrong town priestess.

“Oshimiri” was action-packed and robust with folklore but it definitely requires an investment in time so if you’re up for a four-part movie, see it. RECOMMEND