As Nollywood gets to the cinemas and international film festivals. This is a worthy watch. If you're expecting to see true-life characters with relation to the coup plot and assassination of Murtala Mohammed in 1976, you'll be greatly disappointed. Rather this is more of a story created around that setting. Also as a military-themed movie, I was expecting to see some firepower in action, but this had none. The actors played their roles well most especially Rita Dominic, who was spectacular and emotionally intriguing in the movie. She added to the suspense in the movie. Ramsey Nouah was terrific as usual. Movie was a bit stretched. But in all, this was a good effort worthy of international acclaim.
10 Reviews
Intriguing plot, takes a little winding course in later part
samabc-319524 August 2021
Based on true events about a failed military coup d'état in Nigeria in beginning of 1976 led by Lieutenant Colonel Buka Suka Dimka to overthrow the government of General Murtala Mohammed .. it's a political thriller with structured first half that later takes a winding course..however, an intriguing plot.. Interesting facts I came to know about watching this movie is that they love Hindi (Bollywood) cinema as in one scene they are showing Shammi Kapoor's movie in background.. also, the youngers kneel on floor or bow to show respect to the elders and use of left hand to eat, greet, handover or to collect is a sign of disrespect.
Great potential but poor execution
gebre-egziabeher31 January 2023
Political-military thrillers are probably my favorite genre of movies & I had great expectations for this film. Unfortunately, in the end, this film kind of falls flat on its face. The set-up had so much potential but the pacing is poor & at times the movie ends up being a boring chore to watch. The performances by the actors are solid, especially considering what they were given to work with because the script isn't particularly well-written & the plot doesn't end up being very intriguing. The cinematography is good & they managed to capture 1970s Nigeria pretty well.
But in the end it's hard for me to recommend this movie. As I said these are my favrorite type of films by far & if I got bored watching it I can't really see anybody who's not a fan of the genre even bothering to finish it. And to those who are fans of political/military thrillers, this production is nowhere near the standard of films we are used to so I doubt many would enjoy the experience. It's a shame because I would love for more movies like this to come out, especially given how many events & conflicts in Nigerian history there are to explore in cinema.
But in the end it's hard for me to recommend this movie. As I said these are my favrorite type of films by far & if I got bored watching it I can't really see anybody who's not a fan of the genre even bothering to finish it. And to those who are fans of political/military thrillers, this production is nowhere near the standard of films we are used to so I doubt many would enjoy the experience. It's a shame because I would love for more movies like this to come out, especially given how many events & conflicts in Nigerian history there are to explore in cinema.
what a novel plot that took us back in time
ngandacinema3 September 2023
What a novel plot that took us back in time! Izu Ojukwu adequately fed our curiosity!
The acting, editing, and overall screenplay, regrettably, did not follow the same path 😔
DELICIOUS
-We need to give it up for '76's photography because it felt like we were actually watching a movie shot in the 70s. Good job!
-The narrative gave us knowledge about a vital historical event, a great way to break from typical fictional scripts
-Izu intentionally gave us a taste of the old days by featuring black and white shots, voices from radio/tv presenters, social activities, singers, and an entertaining ambiance
-You could tell the costume, score, and set design teams put a lot of effort to produce a 70s look in the movie. We relished the afros, colorful dresses and bell bottom pants 😃
BLAND
-Rita Dominic delivered a notable performance post-pregnancy, but before that, she was walking and running fast, getting up and down effortlessly with a full-term pregnancy that it took away from the realism of the story.
The other actors were ok, not memorable except for Adonijah Owiriwa playing Captain Jaiye
-The editor, at times, cut some scenes too quickly that we missed some valuable details
-It would have been nice for the screenplay to have included more detailed character development, e.g., we didn't really get to know Captain Dewa's psychology during jail time.
Further info about the coup planning and the process leading to its failure could have been provided to better understand '76.
The acting, editing, and overall screenplay, regrettably, did not follow the same path 😔
DELICIOUS
-We need to give it up for '76's photography because it felt like we were actually watching a movie shot in the 70s. Good job!
-The narrative gave us knowledge about a vital historical event, a great way to break from typical fictional scripts
-Izu intentionally gave us a taste of the old days by featuring black and white shots, voices from radio/tv presenters, social activities, singers, and an entertaining ambiance
-You could tell the costume, score, and set design teams put a lot of effort to produce a 70s look in the movie. We relished the afros, colorful dresses and bell bottom pants 😃
BLAND
-Rita Dominic delivered a notable performance post-pregnancy, but before that, she was walking and running fast, getting up and down effortlessly with a full-term pregnancy that it took away from the realism of the story.
The other actors were ok, not memorable except for Adonijah Owiriwa playing Captain Jaiye
-The editor, at times, cut some scenes too quickly that we missed some valuable details
-It would have been nice for the screenplay to have included more detailed character development, e.g., we didn't really get to know Captain Dewa's psychology during jail time.
Further info about the coup planning and the process leading to its failure could have been provided to better understand '76.
snooze fest, not much story, ridiculous soundtracks
youhokyun18 August 2021
The movie has only one boring story, forcibly stretched to.2 hours of run time, which could really have been 30 min. There is no single scene that is interesting in the movie. It is terribly boring that you will struggle to keep awake. The soundtracks do not match the scenes. The movie is full of random soundtracks. I can't believe the high ratings. I wanted to give 0 star if I could. I feel extremely generous to give 1 star.
Didn't live up to expectation
iamdcontingency8 October 2022
'76 should be applauded for its great story, great acting, great actors, and great costumes and setting.
But these laudable qualities are affected by weak characterization, a convoluted plot, and haphazard plot arraignment.
The film also relies heavily on the viewers' understanding of the reality of the events, aftermath, and effects of the 1976 Nigerian failed coup. However, only a few sections of the audience understand this,
Other than these errors, the film and classics like October 1 (2014) Black November are great must-watch Nigerian movies depicting Nigeria's history of political and tribal instability.
But these laudable qualities are affected by weak characterization, a convoluted plot, and haphazard plot arraignment.
The film also relies heavily on the viewers' understanding of the reality of the events, aftermath, and effects of the 1976 Nigerian failed coup. However, only a few sections of the audience understand this,
Other than these errors, the film and classics like October 1 (2014) Black November are great must-watch Nigerian movies depicting Nigeria's history of political and tribal instability.
I guess it was not a comedy?!
rasketeer11 August 2021
The way the shots are made was like it is a comedy movie.
Some dialogues sound like it was a comedy.
But it is not funny in any way.
The movie was well done but I could not figure out what type of movie it wanted to be and what was the story about until I stopped watching somewhere at the middle.
Some dialogues sound like it was a comedy.
But it is not funny in any way.
The movie was well done but I could not figure out what type of movie it wanted to be and what was the story about until I stopped watching somewhere at the middle.
Absolutely Stunning Picture
richiebensonmusic5 August 2021
Incredible. Rarely do I see Nollywood movies adapted from true life situations, especially from a dated era where so much attention to detail is paid. The lighting, cinematography, props are so beautiful, this movie can definitely be categorized as modern classic. The retro feel it give is so breathtaking that nothing looks out of place throughout the 2 hour duration of the movie. Incredible casting as well! I was especially impressed by the performance of Adonijah Owiriwa who plays Captain V. M. Jaiye. Overall I loved the movie in it's entirety and hope more directors and producers can provide more movies reading between the lines of historic events. 9/10 for me.
Really Good Movie
adaezeb-859975 August 2021
This is probably the best Nigerian movie I've ever seen. Definitely a class above your usual light Nollywood stuff. Characters and plot were well developed and realistic. Noah and Dominic were really great in their acting.
And the movie props! I am sooo impressed! The ancient vehicles (404), appropriate hairstyles and attire and house decor. The producers and directors did their homework. It took me down memory lane. The movie was intense throughout, I couldn't even pause until the movie ended! Bravo!
At last a Nigerian movie that keeps viewers at the edge of their seats and was not predictable. Well done to those behind the effort.
And the movie props! I am sooo impressed! The ancient vehicles (404), appropriate hairstyles and attire and house decor. The producers and directors did their homework. It took me down memory lane. The movie was intense throughout, I couldn't even pause until the movie ended! Bravo!
At last a Nigerian movie that keeps viewers at the edge of their seats and was not predictable. Well done to those behind the effort.
Worth watching
arsald9 August 2021
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