Iyore (The Return)

A film by Frank Rajah Arase
Lead Act: Rita Dominic, Joseph Benjamin, Okawa Chaznay
Actors: Yemi Blaq, Bukky Wright, Paul Obazele
Year: 2014

Synopsis
A tragic love story centered around three sacred virgin from the kingdom of Benin is told by a school teacher narrating the historic tale to her class #culled ( what a summary...complete throw off)
        Iyore is a beautiful tragic love story about love, faith, betrayal and ultimate sacrifice set in the Kingdom of Benin

If I am away from you for more than an hours,
 i cant stop thinking about you.
 I carry you in my spirit,
 I pray for you more than I pray for my self.
 When you smile, my world is alright....I am in love with you.

      Those were the words Shermar Moore said to Kimberly Elise in the super hit movie Diary of a mad black woman by Tyler Perry. I never thought any line in a movie will triumph this line or the movie would be from African movie and Nigerian born Frank Rajah Aare in his recently released movie did in IYORE.
 

(l) Rita Dominic (r) Joseph Benjamin

    I don't know if this is a true story ( it would be awesome if it is) based on the staute shown at the end of the move.  The bigger picture of the movie centers around the love between Eweka/ Azuma (Joseph Benjamin) a crown prince of the great kingdom of Benin and Osarugue (Rita Dominic) a commoner; throughout their lifetime......(yep!!!! reincarnation).
      Azuwa and Osarugue struggle started after he was banished from the kingdom because he failed to yield to the words of his father the king of Benin ( Paul Obazele). The best line the movie came from when Osarugue asked  Azuwa why he would lose the throne because of her, he replied saying:

My throne is in your heart  you are all that I am and wish to be pls!! marry me

My heart beats for you

My flesh is close to yours

Destined to be your
(Love)
If you separate from him; you will give him life and
 he will be king that he is born to be, 
but nature will take yours because his glory works 
hand in hand with your doom
 ( Sacrifice)

Paul Obazele

      The chemistry between Joseph Benjamin and Rita Dominic is very odd yet exhumes romance and longing. The delivery of the above statement was just sweet ( YEPA......I exclaimed while watching). 

Iyore is extremely nice, if  (i)  you are into love, romance story (guilty!!!); (ii) if you are one who truly appreciate a good script and acting.

      Furthermore, the costume were great , from the oba, chiefs, f royal family regalia and cars were on point. I especially love the King of Benin location with wild animals around and all that good stuff (look out for the Lion and Goat.....EPIC!!!). In a nutshell, the location, Language, props were all great.

Okawa Chaznay

      On a personal note, I have always wondered why Rita Dominic seem to be the only actress clearing big awards in best actress/supporting role; it just never sit very well with me because there more actresses out there that are as good as she is and some better, watching her performance in Iyore gave me a clear understanding( and I still stick to my better actress line). The role of Osarugue couldn't have been delivered better by no one else but her. I love the way she carried herself and went into character. Joseph Benjamin as Azuwa/crownd prince is just too sweet. he has the carriage and  eloquent of

royalty and a sucker for love; Okawa Shaznay ( Ajoke) bethrowed wife to Azuwa is delightful and a very promising actress ho I believe can play any part wonderfully well if given the chance. The remaining characters like Paul Obazele., Yomi Blaq and  Bukky Wright are outstanding actors who did great in with their character including the character who gave the Obas Euology
      Overall, Iyore is a film that reminds you not to give up on movies in Africa, it gives you thrill, the only movie that didnt give me a utmost happy ending that is just. A movie about love, betrayal and sacrifice.


Rating 10/10

P.S
Movie is available on irokotv