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Reviewed By Ajibare Abioye
Hey folks! You’re welcome to the review of Rough Road, directed by Ayobami Adegboyega. It tells the sincere story of Apostle Samson Turga, whose best days of existence and ministry seem to be behind him and he is constantly plagued by unrelenting sermons from the devil.
Ajibare Abioye
The strength of Rough Road lies in the quality of the filmic choices it makes. In characterization, Jide Ogunmilade depicts Apostle Turga, a humble man who is clearly in a battle against discouragement and depression. The battle is real and fierce; it’s on the battlefield of the mind where he faces a bombardment of untrue factual thoughts. His wife, played by Tosin Ann Oluleye, is up to the task, and provides the encouragement he desperately needs. Yemi Adepoju’s Rev (Dr) Adams is portrayed as an inverse to Turga – both have lost their ways due to prosperity and poverty respectively.
In a similar note, it’s commendable that Turga’s bad thoughts are given a personality – Segun Bamidele’s Mr D – who does a fantastic job at it. Too much exposition usually dulls a movie but Rough Road brilliantly uses Mr D as a functional character too, because he serves as the vehicle through which most of Turga’s backstory is conveyed.
Next, the plotting in this film is symbolic. Nearly half an hour takes place in one scene and firmly roots us in Turga’s plight. This is also illustrative of his life since the accident – static, stagnant and immobile. This contrasts with his numerous past engagements. Likewise, Rough Road uses silence underneath dialogue in his present to contrast the ovation in his past. We literally see the highs and the lows of Apostle Turga and that caused me to wonder at the transience of nature and celebration, maybe even in ministry.
The most exciting part of Rough Road for me was when Apostle Turga received a call, back to the camera, and the caller introduced himself: “My name is Pastor Right”. The name Pastor Right signifies hope, if you’ve been following the Husband and Wives Series. I like the way PRODRAM has been creating some sort of film universe with characters from its series and feature films. Pastor Right’s introduction to this film changed the narrative of Apostle Turga’s life extensively.
Rough Road is thought-provoking and challenging. You’d wonder where the brethren were in Turga’s trying times. We’re shown how to make it through them though, primarily by filling our hearts with whatever would build our faith and restore our hope. Discouragement is one of the obstacles we’d encountered in the pursuit of purpose, and it’s a time that makes recalling God’s past blessings difficult. For everyone on assignment however, the Gospel should be preached everywhere, whether in the palace or the prison.
Alright, that’s my review of Rough Road. Have you seen it? What did you think about it? Please let me know in the comments section below. The link to the movie:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nxhhk6Hyjl0
T ill the next article, stay blessed!