Synopsis:
The Figurine: Araromire is a horror-thriller movie, which was directed by Kunle Afolayan born in Nigeria. The movie is about two friends, Femi, Ramsey Nouah and Sola, played by Kunle Afolayan, whose fate turns around upside down after discovering a strange figure known as Araromire while on National Youth Service camp. The figurine is bought by people in their droves because it is believed to give seven years of luck to its owner, though this luck will then be followed by another seven years of bad luck.
At first, after mechanics find a gem in a form of figurine, their livelihoods change for the better – Sola excels in his trade and Femi, who has long been in love with Sola’s girlfriend, Mona (Omoni Oboli), gets a chance to make her his. But the friend’s happiness is cut short, as slowly every person’s lucky streak comes to an end, horrible deeds and incidents happen which throws a dark cloud over the achievers’ glory. The protagonists are forced to face the awful truth that the curse of the figurine is not only a myth but their lives are heading towards destruction.
The Figurine touches the theme of ambition out of control, secrets, treachery and the supernatural as such elements are revealed. Would it be dignified to critique the storm dividing the sea between predestination and free will as well as the past presenting arguments loud in the fight inside and forward with imperum?
Awards & Wins:
The Figurine was widely acclaimed and helped raise the global profile of Nollywood for its polished production values and intricate storytelling. It won numerous awards, including:
- Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) 2010:
- Best Picture
- Best Cinematography
- Heart of Africa Award for Best Film
- Best Actor in a Leading Role – Ramsey Nouah
- Best Actress in a Leading Role – Omoni Oboli (Nomination)
- Best Director – Kunle Afolayan (Nomination)
The film also received praise for its screenplay, visual effects, and the successful blending of genres, from supernatural horror to psychological drama.
Cast & Crew:
- Director: Kunle Afolayan
- Main Cast:
- Ramsey Nouah as Femi – A man whose life changes after discovering the figurine and who later becomes haunted by the consequences of his actions.
- Kunle Afolayan as Sola – Femi’s friend, whose fortunes improve dramatically after finding the figurine but later fall apart.
- Omoni Oboli as Mona – The love interest of both Femi and Sola, caught in the middle of their changing fortunes and haunted by the figurine’s influence.
- Tosin Sido as Linda – A supporting character affected by the unfolding events surrounding the figurine.
- Screenplay: Kunle Afolayan, Kemi Adesoye
- Cinematography: Yinka Edward
- Music: Wale Ogunyemi
IMDb Ratings:
- IMDb Score: 7.3/10
- The film was highly praised for its innovative storytelling, acting, and production quality, with audiences appreciating its mix of suspense, supernatural elements, and emotional drama. Critics acknowledged it as one of the pioneering films that helped improve the global perception of Nollywood.
Personal Insights:
The Figurine represents a touchstone in modern Nollywood developments, much of which is owed to Kunle Afolayan’s intelligent directing choices. The plot of the film is also unique because it combines a psychological drama, the suspense of a thriller and elements of supernatural folklore, going beyond what is common in Nollywood. It effortlessly mixes the three genres into one that is not only thrilling with lots of action but a drama with lots of inner self analysis.
The Figurine focuses on the fate and freewill debate where it either makes the characters the perpetrator of the figurine curse or their own actions. Apart from this, the film goes forth and explores other major themes including friendship, the consequences of betrayal and unchecked ambition. The beautiful union between Femi and Sola, the couple in love at first, is not immune either, as the figurine brings forth jealousy, desire, and insecurity into them. Fans of both Ramsey Nouah and Kunle Afolayan will be pleased to see both adapting into dramatic roles quite easily as they hold the weight of emotional men whose lives are crumbling down.
As for comparisons between Yoruba films, what stands out as a particular highlight is the study of the African mythology in a new way in The Figurine. Araromire figurine is a mixture of culture and contemporary issues, both impotent as an object of power and dangerous as a symbol that one cannot tempt with destiny. People ambiguously rationalize the curse, real or imaginary, is one aspect that begs the question whether the characters were indeed out to kill themselves or their overreached conception particularly down05.
The film is eye-catching in a different sense as well. The camera work of Yinka Edward off-screen and in action poignantly celebrates the beautiful, atmospheric sights of Nigeria, inside the countryside to the city. There is a good deal of tension and decorum within the story mainly caused by the vivid beauty of nature and the ugly side that is equally as appreciated which is related to the figurine.
The placing of the scores, composed by Wale Ogunyemi, within the suspense builds the tension in critical scenes enhancing the scare element with minimal but deafening music. Also, the film’s special effects, quite primitive in comparison with the advanced levels of Hollywood, at that time were revolutionary for Nigeria movie industry which has been exposed through the quality of the film.
In addition, The Figurine is stimulating because it makes efficient use of both Yoruba and English even while the culture is said to be English speaking in part. This aids in situating the fantastical plot in a specific culture yet allows reasonable scope.
At the end of the day, The Figurine is also a story of individual choices and their repercussions, be it rooted in belief or self-propagation. Kunle Afolayan’s movie contributed to the development of the Nollywood industry, demonstrating that Nigerian films are capable of doing good storylines and character development with depth as well and still maintain local touch.
Cultural Impact:
The Figurine is often credited with helping to reshape Nollywood by pushing the boundaries of genre filmmaking in Nigeria. Its success helped pave the way for more ambitious Nollywood films with higher production values and more sophisticated narratives. It was one of the first Nigerian films to garner widespread international attention and acclaim, proving that Nollywood could produce films on par with global standards.