I just finished watching the movie that has caused debate amongst Ghanaian circles in the diaspora. Yes, I watched Heart of Men. After seeing the trailers, I vowed never to watch that movie. However, I watched another promo trailer as the premiere of the movie in the UK got closer. That got me curious to the extent that I wanted to attend the premiere.
Luckily, as always, a friend had the DVD. I made countless efforts to obtain this DVD but because of our professional conflicts, all efforts proved futile. To cut a long story short, she told me I could watch it online. So I did. I spent my Saturday morning watching the Heart of Men.
Before I go on, I admit it was a brilliant movie far from the pornography that was displayed in the trailers and promo posters. The plot was wonderful. I loved every bit of the movie. Unlike most African movies where the ending becomes obvious after five minutes into the movie, I had to get to the end of the movie to understand what was happening.
The setting was brilliant. The cast were so professional. I can't believe I am singing this amount of praises about a movie I was so ashamed to claim was Ghanaian. In fact, I am proud it was a Ghanaian production. Ok maybe I am getting ahead of myself. But it was a very engaging movie from start to the end dealing with all sorts of issues that affect young people on a daily basis. I related to more than one of the issues (don't ask me which). Lol.
I also praise the fact that they included the Northern regions of Ghana which are usually left out in everything. The sex scenes were professional for African standards. It was not at all revealing. I now understand why the British Board of Film Classification gave it a rating of 15. In my opinion, this movie is far from any kind of porn.
I am not saying this movie is a perfect movie. It definitely has its flaws. The role played by Richie was that of a Barrister and being a Barrister myself, it was easy to identify those flaws. I am sure doctors and police officers will also be able to identify the flaws in those areas that were portrayed in the movie.
In the future, I wish the script writers or whoever is responsible will be briefed about the proper roles of the actors. Firstly, Kay was tried in the Supreme Court in Accra and found guilty. The Supreme Court is not a trial court so no one can be tried and found guilty in the Supreme Court. Secondly, lawyers for Kay said they will appeal. How can you appeal from the Supreme Court? That is the final court in the land.
Another flaw I found was Kay waking up in Upper West and speaking twi with the lady. I am almost certain twi isn't spoken in that area. They should have spoken hausa or something and given an English interpretation.
Besides all that, I think it was a brilliant movie and everyone one should see it. I recommend it and may post it on my blog. From Scorned to the Perfect Picture to Heart of Men, I believe Ghanaian movies are slowly meeting international standards. I am aware of two other movies to be released and I look forward to their success. Well done to all persons in the Ghanaian movie industry. You've made me proud.
Find the movie below and enjoy:
Heart of Men Part 1a
Heart of Men Part 1b
Heart of Men Part 2a
Heart of Men Part 2b
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Yep yep. Brilliant movie by a lot of standards. I'd had the opportunity to see it way before it came out and I found it rather great, so I didn't understand why almost everybody was bashing it, going on about how it's a porno and all....until I saw the promo trailer later on. I didn't know what the intention of the makers was but I think the trailer gave people a skewed impression. Nice write-up, Kow. Keep them coming!!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have to disagree... the picture quality and the sound were amazing!! I give it ten out of ten for that, however, the plot was too convoluted to be enjoyable. There were a lot of unnecessary twists but it was still obvious (to me) what the end was going to be. They revealed some very important info too soon into the movie. (the murder case and the attempted murder after) they could have left that till closer to the end to build up suspense and make it more interesting. The sex scenes were tasteful, but pretty unnecessary. The only one I think was actually central to the plot was the wedding eve one (the one before the shower incident). All the others were just random and kinda took away from the movie. The twist at the end of the movie was unnecessary too. At the end of the movie however, most of the loose ends were tied up and we weren't left wondering what happened to some central characters (unlike in Naija movies), but, a lot of loose ends were tied up too early. Overall the production quality was excellent and I must commend Ghanaians for not doing things half assed and making the effort to make it enjoyable for viewers. I adored perfect picture, even though it reminded me too much of a Vivica Fox movie.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of video quality, Nigeria must concede defeat to Ghana (I'm Nigerian). I hope my comment did not offend.
Thanks Akwasi. Can you hook me up with the new ones coming up?
ReplyDelete@ Miss Fizzy - thank you for your comment and your concession. I'm glad you liked it. I think it could have gone on to part 4.
well i guess i have to watch it and see if i come to the same conclusion as you did. but based on the what i saw as a preview i was shocked to say the least.
ReplyDeleteI however wished Ghanaian movies as it advanced would make movies that tell stories about our past, history or even some of the great men and women of our nation.
History books are always seen as boring but a movie would educate the younger ones in ways immeasurable.
Well thanks for the head up and i would find time to watch it.- Joana
Chix, I have to disagree with you on this. The movie most certainly was not a great movie, not by any standards.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, the acting was bad. None of the actors did a good job--too much overacting.
Second of all, the script was badly written. Too much froufrou language. If you're going to aspire to shakespearean standards, better do a bang-up job at it. Although, why any Ghanaian screenwrite would want to do this is beyond me. People in Ghana do not talk like they are on stage.
Third, the sex scenes were completely unnecessary to the plot. They were scattered so randomly within the movie, it made zero sense. Compare those love scenes to the ones in the Perfect Picture, and you'll understand what I mean.
Frankly, I could not even watch the whole movie. It was so bad that I fell asleed during part 2 or something. Woke up during the threesome and thought "what the heck?" and went right back to sleep.
We had heard so much abt the movie that we decided to make an event of it, and not a single person out of the eleven or so that were present, liked any part of it.
If this is reality for Ghanaians, I really do not know what else to say.
You're one of the first to say this is a good movie including the storyline. I may try it myself so I can have my own opinion. But in terms of production, Ghanaian movies are doing very well.
ReplyDeleteLol Myne...I think you mean I am one of the first besides the producers and actors...lol...I look forward to a hard copy of your book.
ReplyDelete