RECKONING - Cameroonian Drama

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This movie gave me mixed feelings during and after watching. It took me quite a while to process the storyline, which indeed may be someone’s reality out there.

Written by Ngong Kulivert, produced by Brunhilda SK and directed by Achiri Victor, is this Cameroonian drama titled “Reckoning” with a runtime of 1hour 5minutes

ABOUT THE MOVIE...May include spoilers

Lipen Robert (Oben Roy Jude), after the demise of his parents, was subjected to abuse whilst living with his aunt, whose lifestyle is questionable on many fronts.

Feeling like his life had been rendered useless as he began to experience uncontrollable sexual fantasies, Lipen Robert decides to take laws into his own hands as he takes a drastic decision, which then threatens his freedom. He’s charged for a crime.

MY THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS

If this wasn’t based on a true story, I would give it to the writer. In trying to figure out how this story may have been developed, I tried to enter into the mind of the writer and I must say it’s intriguing how she came about telling this story that many will rather not. Kudos in that regard.

The acting from the actors was what dampened the entire project, regrettably so. Perhaps there were limitations as to budget cause if this were to have been handled or interpreted by well seasoned actors or upcoming actors who know their onus, this would have been a hit.

The lead character played by Oben was somewhat believable in all his body language, but that’s just about the only actor I can pick out. And there’s Lipen’s lawyer’s wife also. She did great too - I liked her performance.

That’s that for that!

All the other actors were either over performing or underwhelming! The lady who played prosecuting counsel was just shouting in the courtroom. The judge appeared like she was reading off of a script in her hand even before actually reading the final verdict.

The court clerk seemed to have been traumatised by the repetitive words from the lawyers - “I put it to you that you enjoyed it…!” etc. That was some sick, disturbing, traumatising lines.

Well, I guess this was to highlight how people get victim-blamed for the torturous ordeal they go through; reason why many would rather keep silent.

Also, this touched on the psychological impact of rape on victims, a concept Sonia Uche attempted to portray in her recent drama “Beyond Control” which then took a comedic approach thereby weakening the overall message.

I just wished the acting here was as good. This particular movie would have rated higher. It had enough potential. I’m however pleased that they spared us the visuals or graphics of Robert’s ordeal. I wouldn’t have been able to watch that, to be honest. However, a little flashback of his aunt and some of her dealings as per talks with the men would have sufficed.

Indeed, there are many people in our world today who are going about their daily lives carrying the heavy weight of traumas from the past. You may never know.

Wait a minute! What did Robert hold against his defense lawyer, which he used in blackmailing him enough to be able to afford his services? Cause we’re made to understand that he’s never lost a case that indicates his stand in the legal profession. Or did I miss something?

This was educational, but the injury details betrayed its purpose in the sense that the spots that had started developing on Robert due to the illness he was suffering started to fade away whilst the case was still ongoing. Was he receiving treatment behind bars?

There’s room for improvement, hence I’ll applaud the bravery here as per storytelling, production, and direction. Hoping for the best in subsequent projects in regards to actors’ performances, costuming, props, location, makeup, and all.
With that, i rate the film a 4/10.
Until next time...BYE!