Home Movies Reviews ‘Chaguo’ Netflix Movie Review - Love, Politics, and African Realities

‘Chaguo’ Netflix Movie Review - Love, Politics, and African Realities

The movie follows the journey of two star-crossed lovers as they navigate the dangerous waters of tribal grudges and political struggles

Anjali Sharma - Sun, 19 Mar 2023 10:41:13 +0000 3456 Views
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Welcome to a world where love and politics collide, and every decision has a life-altering consequence. Chaguo, a contemporary adaptation of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, transports us to an African nation, where two young lovers must navigate the chaos of ancient tribal feuds and political ambitions. Directed by Ravi Karmalker and Vincent Mbaya, Chaguo is a cinematic tour de force that will leave you on the edge of your seat.


The story revolves around Wendo (Nyokabi Macharia), an apolitical PR manager who works for a young activist named Matthew Kowa, and Mugeni (Nick Kwach), who hails from a wealthy family with a ruthless political legacy. The two try to distance themselves from their families' politics but are soon pulled into a ruthless power game due to the ongoing election campaign between their historically opposing tribes. Their relationship faces immense hurdles as they traverse through the difficult process of enforcing democratic elections in a country that has long since lost faith in reason and justice in politics.


One of the strongest aspects of Chaguo is its exploration of the importance of making the right choices in life and how they can affect one's future. The film successfully uses its romantic storyline to highlight the need for political participation and the importance of democracy in society. It is a timely reminder of the struggles that plague many African nations, and the resilience of those who seek change in the face of adversity.


The acting in Chaguo salvaged anything that could have been missing. The film boasts a talented cast, particularly Macharia, whose performance is truly captivating. Her chemistry with Kwach is palpable and keeps the audience engaged throughout the film. Additionally, Abel Amunga's portrayal of the villainous Njama Magero is outstanding, as he manages to manipulate the audience's emotions and transcend the obvious traps that could have made his character seem like a parody.


The film's portrayal of African culture and traditions is another strong point, and it is clear that the filmmakers took great care in representing these elements in an authentic and respectful manner. Kenyan cinematography continues to rise to new heights, and Andrew Mungai's direction of photography is breathtaking, with stunning lighting and imagery that truly elevates the film.


However, the film falls short in some areas. While the film avoids the cliche of painting one tribe as the villain and the other as the hero, it fails to fully explore the cognitive dissonance of tribalism and how it affects society's morals and values. Additionally, the sound design at times becomes dull and makes it difficult to follow the dialogue, which can detract from the overall viewing experience.


Netflix has scored a major win with Chaguo, which is sure to captivate audiences around the world. The film's exploration of complex themes such as power, corruption, and justice is masterfully executed, leaving a lasting impact on viewers long after the credits roll. Despite some minor flaws, this film deserves to be celebrated and recognized for its contributions to African cinema and the wider film industry.


Final Score- [7/10]
Reviewed by - Anjali Sharma
Follow @AnjaliS54769166 on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times

 

 

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