Amina (2021) User Reviews

A good story ruined by a bad screenplay

[rickard-20705 · 4/10 · 7 November 2021]

This is a weird one. I can tell that it's a good story with several intrigues, but most of the scenes were terrible, and the fighting scenes in particular. The acting goes from stage actors to "I tried my best as an amateur".

What's surprising is the quality of the photo. Really sharp images with great color grading, and I can say the same thing about the score. I can tell that there is some budget behind the movie, with the costumes and all - the movie even got some descent enough CGI.

If a capable person would had gotten their hands on the script, and written a good screenplay, this would actually be something I would recommend to people. If a great screen play, then this would be a must watch. I had to watch the movie with the notion of what it could have been; with dreamy sequences, dramatic closeups, and voice overs telling thoughts over the scenery playing out in front of my eyes.

If you crave for a Nigerian fantasy flick, with inspiration from real events(?), then watch this one. Otherwise, just watch some Nollywood movie instead. At least you will have a laugh.

Another good potential ruined by bad writing

[Snootz · 4/10 · 9 November 2021]

If you don't have a good script to start with, don't make the movie.

This is a historic drama. As one watches, the potential for the story is there. Some people will claim this has bad acting, but remember where this is filmed and don't expect Hollywood mannerisms from that part of the world. The acting is true to that culture.

The writing and story though... that was pretty poor, as was the directing and choreography. Fake fighting, punches being visibly pulled, swords slowly and barely connecting, the "sword to the side" trope, etc. Not that I care to see realistic battles, but there are non-gory ways to present battles that aren't obviously fake.

Some of the story is presented well. The pain and suffering of slavery. The subterfuge of betrayals. But surprisingly, the main character herself is about as two-dimensional as they come. The King was a more interesting presentation. It seems a great deal was left out of the story, but it's hard to tell what since I haven't studied that part of history. Basically, the story just falls flat with a really lazy ending.

I'm being generous in giving it 4 stars... and I do that mainly because of the unusual setting and the fact that it was moderately interesting all the way through. But when it comes to the end of the movie one realizes what a let-down the whole thing is. As far as a cinematic presentation and presentable story line goes, this fails to deliver.

Bring the fight

[kosmasp · 5/10 · 7 January 2022]

It's almost funny that someone who really likes this (even says loves it), still only gives it 6 out of 10 stars. I reckon that is saying something, yes? On the other hand, as you can see by the rating of many, it plays along the general line of what most think of the movie.

Having said that, maybe you will more enticed and more engaged in the story than others. That is always tough to predict. Overall the story is not a bad one and there is even some action here. Still it did leave me quite cold and not caring too much about the main characters. The actors still do a good job - it is just tough for me to actually relate.

Have seen worse, have seen better too.

iT IS NOT BASED ON ANY FACTS

[serenitydiver · 2/10 · 18 December 2021]

I am not sure that it is based on which facts exept the names.

Where is her brother. Karami.

The movie did not mention at all that she was a muslim.

Simple search even on Wikipedia will show more interesting things about her to consider in the movie.

Why such a good story could be a great movie, you just ruined it by this terrible way ??

Bad but good story

[wyldeman-70668 · 2/10 · 19 February 2023]

The story was good enough to get me to watch it to the end but seriously, was the budget so low they couldn't afford better sheilds. As the warriors were running towards each other they were bending because they were obviously cardboard. In a few scenes you could even see the corrugated cardboard.

The acting was really bad and the fight scenes laughable. I think a revamped write, better acting and a better budget it would be a pretty good movie. The little girl as young Amina was pretty good, spunky child for sure.

I will watch for a remake, maybe it will improve because it is a good story, real or not.

My goodness

[ruud-35 · 1/10 · 6 November 2021]

How bad can a movie be? Probably the worst acting ever in a movie which seems to be made with enough money. Netflix what were you thinking? More viewers in Africa?

Very disappointed

[onurucler1 · 1/10 · 28 November 2021]

Fighting scenes are like a joke. Effects are horrible cz there are none. A great story ruined by really bad writing and really bad acting. Really disappointed.

So disapppointed.

[strokersunited · 3/10 · 10 November 2021]

Some acting moments from main actors (king and Amina), but the supporting actor (Maladi), hard to tell if he is comic relief because his role should be serious. Some really good scenic shots but many that look like a stage. Some of the costumes look like I could make them from my own craft stash and fabric remenants, making me doubt how much they represent the time period. The speaking with accents was labored by almost all actors. The real bummer is this movie could be so good with with the story but this rendition isn't. I would love to see it remade.

Great film

[jdd-22302 · 8/10 · 18 November 2021]

Of course, it's not the best film ever, but it's best than many Hollywood films.

Landscapes are gorgeous, colors are beautiful, story is not that bad.

Worth seeing.

Love it

[stoudemire-82571 · 6/10 · 16 November 2021]

The movie is great.

Sure the fights could be done better but I see this like a work in progress.

The storyline is good, Acting not bad at all, i have seen some Hollywood's production with horrible acting(example Divergente).

The casting, directing was ok .

This movie is a solid 6.

a novel story and beautiful production

[ngandacinema · 6/10 · 20 August 2023]

After watching Amina, it's confirmed that Izu Ojukwu is a favorite! What a novel story and never-before-seen production! Will there be Amina 2?😃

DELICIOUS

---The idea to tell a story of this caliber was so phenomenal and out-of-the-box. Thank you for a virtual trip to the past

---Fantastic work on the set and costume designs, the teams paid close attention to details

---The storytelling was fluid, told in an interesting manner that we were just glued wanting to know and understand every character. No dull moments.

A significant lesson learned was the essence of being purpose-driven, extremely sober, and time-sensitive

---Kudos to all the actors: Lucy Ameh, Habiba Ummi Mohammed, Asabe Madaki, and little Amina (Ogunjiofor Jenevieve

---Fighting choreographers were very clever at masking their imperfections 😅

BLAND

---Little hiccups were found, notably in the color grading which wasn't consistent and adherent to the film's genre.

Amina would have been delivered in the Hausa language to accentuate the authenticity of the story. Cinematography could have been more dramatic to stress the fighting scenes

---Amina didn't really develop in terms of character. She wasn't seen as being in charge or owning her position as a princess. Her friend Aladi had even more vigor and courage

---For those who've read the true story of Queen Amina, they'll know that the movie far deviated from actual facts, which was a little disappointing.

Well the movie is bad, but...

[ivicacavara · 10/10 · 6 November 2021]

Well the movie is bad, but the story kept me watching until the end, which a I cannot say for a lot of new big production movies. Acting is bad, the production is bad, but despite of its floss I like it. It's 2 hours of my life which I did not regret spending.

It could have been better if it had a better screenplay.

[Geeta352 · 7/10 · 2 June 2022]

I found this movie interesting on several levels. It had a strong female lead, and a good supporting cast. The villain was comical, and I was glad when he got his just desert: death at the hands of Queen Amina and her supporters. The epitaph of her reign was informative and made up for all the flaws in the storyline and direction. Watch and learn, you'll be glad you did.

Female lead with empathy and love

[ssppetralli · 10/10 · 26 July 2022]

Great story, presumable based on real events. It has everything. Featuring plenty female leads, however it would be great to see even more female 'extras as well'. Adventure, mystery, magic, empathy, love, leadership, slavery, darkness, cruelty, action, etc. And the movie treats topics like forced marriage, 'this is not a place for women' mentality, women can't lead or be in power, polygyny (multiple wife's), general discrimination towards women, and how it often takes a farther with only daughters to stop discrimination towards girls and women. I liked the movie a lot.

Great story. Has potential.

[wfpitts · 6/10 · 30 December 2022]

I would like to see this remade with a real budget. There is obviously a lot more to be told and should be made in several parts to present the details. Overall, it is worth watching, but difficult to stay attentive in some scenes. I want to see more historical, quality wardrobe and better weapons for such fierce warriors. Send this and some of the actors to Hollywood to remake an epic movie that, after reading some of the historical reviews, should be told. I would recommend this only to people I know can follow it for the storytelling rather than the movie scenes. For some scenes, it is apparent what the director intended, but obviously lacked the budget to create.

Enjoyable Cinema

[LokyraMac · 7/10 · 6 December 2023]

The story was loosely based on real events and people.

I enjoyed it quite a bit, and will recommend it to people who enjoy warrior queens, adventures into history, and cultures that don't get enough play in western mainstream media.

It was obviously very low budget, and suffered for that. The acting ability varied wildly, as did the fight choreography.

My biggest complaint was they tried to shove 15 years into the movie, and the story suffered as a result. Character development was left by the wayside, as were noticeable chunks of story and transitions. There were several moments where I had to piece together who was doing what and why.

I don't know that I'll ever watch it again, but I'm happy that I put it in my brain.