BREATH OF LIFE (2023)

The pictures I saw of this movie actually made me want to watch it. They were well cut-out, beautiful pictures which told its own unique story.

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Although "Breath of Life" initially seemed like an inappropriate title the ending completely changed my perspective.
Even Elijah Johnson's self-reference as being older than anyone became clear to me during my second viewing of the film.

Overcome by grief and burning anger at the horrendous manner with which his beautiful wife and their cute daughter were gruesomely murdered right before his very eyes, when he tried to save his community from the menace that was Baby face, Timi Johnson, a staunch lover of God became resentful towards God. He avenges their death and proceeds to take his life. He fails and many years later is shown the Purpose...(the rest of the movie will blow your mind).

The cinematography was a pleasure, right from the first scene every picture was a great visual.
The story itself is a great one, with lessons and thoughts provoking scenes and actions. Dialogue also ticked the box.

The narration helped give a more detailed view of the story and the characters, except that of the narrator himself.

I can tell you for a fact that halfway into the movie, I knew how it would end. I anticipated the story and it came out just the way I imagined it.

Nevertheless, I am fascinated with the execution of the movie and the idea of the storytelling. It will have you glued to your screen from the beginning till the end.

One of the beauties of this project is avoiding ambiguity, it's a good one. But, they left out some details to the imagination of the viewers, for example, how was Mr Timi able to penetrate the house of Babyface? Even if he sneaked in, how was he able to escape after the loud gunshot? Of course, a man like Babyface will have goons watching his house.

It's worth an Oscar nomination. All the cast delivered and it was a beautiful thing to watch. This project is in a class of its own, it has all the elements that make a great movie, and it's emotional too.

Lest I forget, the movie is from a Nigerian background, so, I expect makeup to close the piercing on both ears of Elijah or the cameramen/editor should have avoided close shots. The Elijah in the movie would not have pierced his ears (both).

I could have done a detailed review discussing a few FLOPS but then, I strongly recommend you watch this. Big ups to the entire production team, from the choice of locations to costumes, to cast (especially Eku Edewor) that was my first time seeing her.

I was particularly impressed by the exquisite elocution of the actors, which had a hint of British accent.

The movie has themes of love, faith, family, fatherhood, friendship and sonship. It was heart warming to see how Elijah, through patience, gradually brought warmth back into Timi's cold heart, replacing the sorrowful memories of his family with joy, while reviving his Faith in the process, just by virtue of association. The scene in church where Timi challenged Elijah to find the Bible verse he quoted was interesting as it showed that Timi's supposed opposition only made Elijah study to show himself approved.

Two very little issues I had. One was the spotty background of Elijah’s character and the second was Anna's room. The setting sort of deviated from the general settings in the movie.

The jump of “Boy to Son” between Mr Timi and Elijah gave me a pause. Their interactions were sparse, a little emotional attachment before that jump would have helped.

There was also a little meandering in the story and some scenes that raised eyebrows, like how did we get here?

Notwithstanding, plot progression flowed sequentially and the casting and acting was a hundred percent.

This movie cast a good spotlight on grief and the alterations it can make to the life of a person that has been swallowed wholly by it. It beams on faith, and the lack thereof, in the face of tribulation. I also like the conscious portrayal on the struggle of asthmatic patients.

The highlight of the movie for me is the sharp cinematography. Clean pictures to be precise. Plaudits to the writer as well. The writing of that final church scene with Wole Ojo was impeccable to say the least.
I love the simplicity of the storyline. Not an overly larger than life tale. Just a slow, simple, emotional and beautiful narrative.

Did Elijah really fry three eggs sixteen times?
His rasping and breath loss moves were funny and frustrating in equal measures.
Who chykes a Lady with Bible study invitations?

Storyline ✅
Picture quality ✅
Cast ✅
Setting ✅
Scenery ✅
Makeup & costume ✅
Language & Diction ✅
Infusion of Naija Pidgin ✅✅
Life lessons ✅✅✅

…because I have reservations about some of the scenes and continuity as well as some unanswered questions, I’ll give this movie 9/10
Good stuff!

Images are mine(screenshots from the movie) except otherwise stated
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