Lisabi: A Legend is Born (Movie Review)

Currently streaming on Netflix, Lisabi: A Legend is Born as directed by Niyi Akinmolayan, is a sequel to Lisabi: The Uprising, which was released in late 2024.

The movie rated PG-13, is a historical drama that continues the story of the legendary Ẹgba hero Lisabi and his people’s fight for liberation from the Oyo Empire.

The Premise of Lisabi: A Legend is Born

The movie picks up where Lisabi: The Uprising left off.

Following their victory over the Oyo Empire, the Ẹgba people face retribution as the King of the Oyo Empire seeks to reclaim his dominance.

However, under Lisabi’s leadership, the Ẹgba people once again thwart their oppressors in a battle that almost seemed lost.

Following their success and liberation from the Oyo empire, the story shifts to internal conflicts as envy and betrayal rise among Lisabi’s trusted allies.

Despite his courageous efforts to lead, Lisabi’s downfall becomes inevitable.

His arrogance and refusal to level with those closest to him, culminate in their plan to take him out.

The betrayal and defiance of his allies left him feeling isolated and questioning what remained of his purpose, so he seized the final act of this story, ensuring it ended on his terms rather than in the hands of others.

Characters and Performances

The cast of Lisabi: A Legend is Born features notable talents, each bringing their unique flair to the film, though not all are fully utilized.

Lateef Adedimeji reprises his role as Lisabi with his trademark intensity. He throws up a more domineering persona than the first part, as demanded by his now-established role as a leader. His performance exudes authority and the weight of leadership.

Adebimpe ‘Mo Bimpe’ Adedimeji, as Ikeola, provides a steadying influence, her character offering both warnings and support to Lisabi. She brings a calm, grounding presence to the chaos around her, and was instrumental in the battle against the Oyo Empire.

Deyemi Okanlawon, teased as a pivotal antagonist in the promotional material, delivers a competent performance as Aronimoja, the commander of the Oyo Empire army. However, his limited screen time dilutes the impact of his character.

Odunlade Adekola makes a strong impression in his brief role as the Alaafin. His early scenes are promising, but his character is quickly sidelined, reducing what could have been a more significant role to an extended cameo.

Similarly, Gabriel Afolayan’s talent is underused, with his character adding little to the overall narrative. This underdevelopment of supporting roles reflects a missed opportunity to enrich the story further.

What I liked About Lisabi: A Legend Is Born

The soundtrack truly stands out, bringing a surge of emotion to some of the film’s most memorable moments. It matches the tone of the movie perfectly, making the drama hit harder and the key scenes feel more impactful.

There was also a clear sense of ambition in how the film tries to weave together historical storytelling and supernatural elements. It shows that Nollywood is pushing boundaries, especially with its growing use of CGI.

While the battle scenes didn’t completely blow me away, it was a good attempt. The sound effects add a raw intensity that makes the action feel alive and keeps you engaged.

What Didn’t Work

The movie struggles with its storytelling. The plot feels disjointed, and themes like betrayal and leadership are barely explored. In other words, everything felt rushed.

Instead of providing answers, the story just raises more questions.

The title, A Legend is Born, feels misleading because it doesn’t explore Lisabi’s rise to greatness at all. The scene that looks into the circumstances surrounding his birth and what made him who he is doesn’t offer much clarification either.

There’s also an over-reliance on slow motion, and not in a good way. it just messes up the flow of the action, making the fight scenes feel stiff and lacking energy.

The CGI, despite its ambition, feels disjointed. The birds, both oversized and undersized, don’t seem proportional to natural dimensions, making them feel out of place.

Another disappointing aspect was the use of echoes and sound effects during some dialogue scenes. The attempt to make everything feel ethereal was overdone, making it feel forced rather than atmospheric.