The Mercy Kenneth new movie tells a common tale of a blind girl in a typical Nollywood setting. She has been maltreated by her family, to the extent that her identity is unknown to the villagers. Yes, you guessed right, the prince fell in love with her instead of her older sister who was a parody of a woman. This is the synopsis of the movie, the idea is cliché and built on stereotypes.
If in 2022, a Nollywood film can’t break the stereotypes of malicious mothers, promiscuous daughters, and princes preferring less privileged female companions, then you understand how much of a hard watch this was. The only thing new in this storyline is the absence of a juju man. Hence, the movie isn’t cut out as horror.
Nevertheless, the passion in the acting and display of characters is highly commendable. The actors put in so much energy in acting out their roles. This act caused a subtle catharsis for me during my viewing. The tragic events surrounding Sochima’s realisation of her identity spawned the purging of emotions. We experience relatable moments in the movie. The disappointments, the promiscuity, egoistic power tussle among the chiefs, all played out in verisimilitude to real-life events.
There was no plot twist – the end was clear from the beginning. The movie does not create any suspense. In fact, we only merely rejoiced with Sochima at the event of her relocation even though we saw it coming. This is either a poignant use of foreshadowing or a careless plot of events.
The Prince of my Heart trailer. Credit: YouTube
Though the cast put passion and vigour into acting out their parts, the plot is disjointed and haphazardly packed with dog and cat scenes. We can’t help but notice the incessant show of cats, dogs, and fowls. You may be tempted to ask if they are part of the plot or play a crucial role in completing dramatic action. The setting of the movie is clearly a rural/village setting. Hence, repeatedly showing domestic animals is an irrelevant part of the movie.
The depiction of women in the movie as vile, promiscuous, and uncanny may spring a gender debate as this reinforces toxic masculinity and denigrates women. In the new world today, as much as we find females still in the habits of callousness and wickedness, there are many women who have risen above merely aspiring to marry rich men as an end in itself. Meanwhile, children with special needs now get proper care from family and society. And princes do not necessarily get their wives picked for them, or at least, not against their wish.
The movie’s sound quality is superb, I almost wished it wasn’t. You can clearly hear Sochima’s sister Kamsi struggling with a fake accent throughout the movie, and guess what, it was not an act. Another thing that beats me is how Kanayo keeps trying to help Sochima use her stick instead of just leading the path.
On a lighter note, we are exposed to the repercussions of greed and the power of vindication. The bad chiefs get punished for their gruesome act of framing Sochima’s dad, Chief Maduka. However, contrary to popular opinion, not everyone gets vindicated in that manner. Some people get punished for other people’s wrongdoings even to their graves. Though in this case, justice prevails and everyone gets served. This movie classifies as a didactic for teaching several life lessons.
The Prince of my Heart’s happy ending in view of the little reunion is blissful. However, the movie doesn’t have a falling action in the denouement. The end looks like there is a loop in the story that needs to be filled. The apologies and reconciliation do not only happen in the middle of a road but also seem like too much of an act. The idea of forgiveness as presented is to be reckoned with but the scene is replete with half-baked emotions and fake smiles.
I recommend that you see this movie and share your thoughts.
Clara Gaiya, an entrepreneur, writes from Lagos.
Ayodelé is a Lagos-based journalist and the Content and Editorial Coordinator at Meiza. All around the megacity, I am steering diverse lifestyle magazine audiences with ingenious hacks and insights that spur fast, informed decisions in their busy lives.
