76'

Theatrical Release Poster

Just less than seven months after taking office as the Head of State of The Federal Republic of Nigeria, General Murtala Mohammed was assassinated along with his Aide-De-Camp (ADC) on February 13, 1976 in an abortive coup. Starring Ramsey Noah and Rita Dominic, 76' is a Historical Fiction surrounding the events that took place after the assassination of Nigerian Head of State General Murtala Muhammad. The focus of the movie is not on General Murtala Mohammed but on Captain Joseph Dewa (Ramsey Noah), a soldier from the Middle East and his pregnant wife Suzy. He is forced to join the coup plotters which he disagrees so they try to stop him and his wife from leaving the barracks. Immediately after the assassination takes places, Captain Dewa gets arrested as part of the coup plotters while trying to get his pregnant wife to the hospital. Suzy looks for every possible way to prove his innocence and she eventually succeeds. Captain Dewa's sister Angela (Ibinabo Fiberesima) who Suzy had never met prior to the incident comes all the way from London to reunite with her brother only to be told of his arrest. 

Image via imdb.com

Image via imdb.com

Those arrested for being part of the failed coup and assassination of the Head of State (32 people) were all sentenced to death. Footage from the real assassination of the Head of State and shooting of the guilty at the bar beach were shown in the movie. Suzy goes to the beach to see her husband one last time but he isn't part of those coming out of the truck in handcuffs. She goes back home wondering what happened but then she looks up and sees Joseph looking at her with blood and injuries all over his body. 

Image via guardian.com

Image via pulse.ng

The movie ends with Captain Dewa moving out of the barracks with his sister Angela, his wife Suzy and their baby. The beginning of the movie started out dull and slow but they eventually picked up the pace. Izu Ojukwu (White Waters, Sitanda) paid great attention to details especially the soundtrack which included songs from Sir Victor Uwaifo and Nelly Uchendu, the 70's retro clothing, cars, hairstyles and the visuals. 

Image via 76themovie.com

The cast delivered on every level and as expected Ramsey Noah was amazing, Rita Dominic gave a really emotional performaces which brought me close to tears. Memry Savanhu as Eunice the next door neighbor who loved to dance brought life to her role and was quite fun to watch. Seeing Chidi Mokeme as Captain Gosmos was also very refreshing. Entirely shot in Mokola Barracks in Ibadan, the movie has been in works for over five years and is the first Nollywood film to be shot in the barracks. It was investigated by the Nigerian Military for seven months before getting approved and shooting took place in 2012. 76' was very educative and as a Historian I absolutely enjoyed watching it.

Rating: 8/10

Screenplay by Emmanuel Okomaniyi

Directed by Izu Ojukwu

Produced by Adonaijah Owiriwa & Izu Ojukwu 

Starring Ramsey Noah, Rita Dominic, Chidi Mokeme, Ibinabo Fiberesima, Nelly Ekwereogu, Memry Savanhu, Daniel K.Daniel, 

Running Time 1hr 58mins

Language English & Igbo

Release Date November 25, 2016

View the trailer below;