The Department (film)
The Department is a 2015 Nigerian romantic crime action film directed by Remi Vaughan-Richards, starring Majid Michel, OC Ukeje, Desmond Elliot, Osas Ighodaro, Jide Kosoko, Seun Akindele, Somkele Iyamah, Funky Mallam and Kenneth Okolie[1][2] The film which is the first feature film from Inkblot Productions and Closer Pictures,[3][4] produced by Uduak Oguamanam and Chinaza Onuzo.[5]
The Department | |
---|---|
Directed by | Remi Vaughan-Richards |
Written by | Chinaza Onuzo |
Produced by | Uduak Oguamanam Chinaza Onuzo |
Starring |
|
Cinematography | Ayoola Ireyomi |
Edited by | Niyi Akinmolayan |
Production companies | Inkblot Productions Closer Pictures |
Distributed by | FilmOne Distributions |
Release date |
|
Running time | 104 minutes |
Country | Nigeria |
Language | English |
The film tells the story of a secret department in a business conglomerate, as its gang members blackmail top executives into selling their companies to the leader of the conglomerate (Jide Kosoko). Two lovers (Majid Michel and Osas Ighodaro) however opt out of the organization, but the group wants her back for one last job. She accepts against her husband's will, who consequently decides to sabotage the department in order to save their marriage.
Cast
- Osas Ighodaro as Tolu Okoye
- Majid Michel as Nnamdi
- Desmond Elliot as Effiong
- OC Ukeje as Segun
- Jide Kosoko as Chief
- Udoka Oyeka as James Okolo
- Kenneth Okolie
- Somkele Iyamah as
- Seun Akindele as
- Saheed Funky Mallam as
Release
A theatrical trailer for The Department was released on 29 December 2014.[6][7] The film had a press screening on 20 January 2015 at Filmhouse Cinemas in Surulere, Lagos; it was reportedly well received by the critics at the event.[3][8][9][10] It premiered on 25 January 2015,[11] and was theatrically released on 30 January 2015.[12][13]
Reception
Nollywood Reinvented rated the film 62%, praising the story and the performances, but noted that the film lacks emotional connection with the viewers; it commented "With a stellar cast and its not-the-usual storyline, The Department aspires to so much and achieves a lot but it does not achieve it all. The movie did great work with the little details, however, together the finished work falls flat and will probably be forgotten by your next breakfast".[14] Folasewa Olatunde praised the performances in the film, but talked down on some unrealistic parts of the film. She concludes that the film is "intriguing and suspense filled".[15]
References
- Izuzu, Chidumga (6 January 2015). "Filmone 2015: Jide Kosoko, OC Ukeje, Nse Ikpe star in new movies". Pulse NG. Retrieved 25 February 2015.
- "Gone Too Far, Heaven's Hell, The Department, set for Cinema Debut in January 2015". Connect Nigeria. 30 December 2014. Retrieved 25 February 2015.
- Ezeh, Maryjane (21 January 2015). "'The Department' Premieres In Lagos Amidst Fanfare". Nigeria Films. Retrieved 25 February 2015.
- Akinwale, Funsho (22 January 2015). "'The Department' premieres in Lagos amidst fanfare". The Eagle Online. Retrieved 25 February 2015.
- "Majid Michel, O.C.Ukeje, Osas Ighodaro, Desmond Elliot, Star In "The Department"!". 9aijabooksandmovies. 18 January 2015. Retrieved 25 February 2015.
- Cole, Mistah (15 January 2015). "Watch The Trailer for THE DEPARTMENT Starring Osas Ighodaro and OC Ukeje". 360Nobs.com. Retrieved 25 February 2015.
- "A Thriller & a Love Story! Watch Osas Ighodaro, OC Ukeje, Jide Kosoko, Majid Michel & Desmond Elliot in 'The Department'". Bella Naija. 12 January 2015. Retrieved 25 February 2015.
- Ige, Rotimi (13 January 2015). "Commendations trail 'The Department' movie screening". The Tribune Newspaper. Retrieved 25 February 2015.
- "Commendations trail 'The Department' movie screening". News Hunt. 23 January 2015. Retrieved 25 February 2015.
- Afolake (21 January 2015). "'The Department' Premieres, Gets High Ratings". BizWatch Nigeria. Retrieved 25 February 2015.
- "Nigeria: The Department Premiered". allAfrica.com. Retrieved 25 February 2015.
- "Maltina Family Dance All TV Presenter "Osas" : Stars in The Department!". 9aijabooksandmovies. 28 January 2015. Retrieved 25 February 2015.
- Adeyemi Laolu. "Nigeria: The Department Premieres, Rates High At Screening". allAfrica.com. Retrieved 25 February 2015.
- "The Department". Nollywood Reinvented. 25 July 2015. Retrieved 29 July 2015.
- Olatunde, Folasewa. "KFB Movie Review: The first scenes in 'The Department' would almost put you off". Retrieved 25 February 2015.