CHILDREN OF THE MOUNTAIN - A TOUCH OF CLASS

A good movie is one that speaks for itself. The truth of the matter is, it makes it difficult in finding the right words to review it. It's an "insult" of me to even give a constructive critique of it. 

Seriously I wish the movie was first premiered in Ghana before crossing our borders.

Children of the Mountain, a title that makes so much sense and if critically reviewed will effortlessly fall into the category of all time best movies produced in Ghana.

Firstly, one thing I can't turn my eyes from is the fact that the movie in so many ways laughed by destroying the unreasonable divsion (Ghallywood and Kumawood) in the film industry as it respected every single rule of cinema as well as going into our culture by adopting 3 of the main languages (Twi, Fante, Ewe) spoken in Ghana for the whole 1hr 39mins of the film's timeframe devoid of English. The story also makes use of names that represent our culture and what we stand for.

The story, simple still pulled me in, taking me on a road of life's experience. Although, I am not a woman or mother but it made me to question myself "what if I was one"? What our mothers go through just to give us the best despite the pain and limitation is beyond understanding. And casting Rukiyat Masud as Essuman/Mother was perfect. It beats my imagination as to why she is not often seen on our screens. Agbeko (Bex TheThesp); a man who falls in love with a woman with such a "burden" was well placed to give a glimpse of light to the story, giving Essuman hope to love and the support she needs to fight through. But, if I may ask, how many basket of fishes will I need to woo a lady in the Volta Region? LOL. Those scenes cracked me up. Asantewaa played The Akorfa Asiedu demonstrated what friendship is all about. After being accused of 'witchcraft', still stood by her friend. The other cast which include Adjetey Annan, Grace Omaboe and her precious majesty Jessica Dablo (Glad she finally had her surgery and hoping to see her in more movies) were all awesome. The movie also brings to life the awareness on social issues like the corrupt and cruel act of religion and cultural beliefs.

I wasn't happy about the pastor going unpunished. Such incident when not addressed gives room for more act of crimes to prevail. I also think the part Essuman's neighbor went to call people, so (she) Essuman could apologize to her rival was needless. The apology was great but their presence didn't add anything for me.

Moreover, the cinematography was beyond greatness. Every single shot was amazing. Editor's cuts were seamless, sound was great. Score added all the reqiuired elements to draw out the emotions for us to be connected. Priscilla's style of directing is impeccable. I hope to see more of her work in the near future.

My biggest problem which is of the book is, how the heck was Children of the Mountain overlooked at the Ghana Movie Awards?! Which foods have the organizers been eating anytime they wake up in the morning. With this, I say the awards must be scrappped!!!.

Be that as it may, I wouldn't be surprised to see Children of the Mountain being selected to represent Ghana at the 2018 Oscars. Why? Because it has all the element to succeed regarding the requirement.

This movie shows and is a great example of a light always being discovered at the end of the tunnel.

GhanaFilms has a future