The Burial of Kojo

The Burial of Kojo is a riveting 2018 movie that masterfully blends magical realism with the harsh realities of life, beautifully capturing aspects of contemporary life in Ghana that are often left unexplored on the silver screen. The film showcases the stellar performance of actors such as Joseph Otsiman, Mamley Djangmah and Kobina Amissah-Sam, and is directed by Blitz the Ambassador, a Ghanaian rapper-turned-filmmaker.

The storyline follows an enchanting, yet complex narrative that is centred around family and its relation to the broader socio-economic landscape. The plot is magnificently layered, revealing the deep-seated traumas, internal conflicts and dreams of its characters, interwoven in a complex, parallel reality structure. The movie conveys themes of love, estrangement, mysticism, hardship, and resilience against the backdrop of evocative landscapes and a gripping soundtrack.

At its core, The Burial of Kojo narrates the unconventional and deeply emotional saga of a young Ghanaian girl named Esi, portrayed by first-time actress Mamley Djangmah. Esi acts as the conduit through which the audience experiences the tumultuous journey into her family's past and present, and dreamlike interpretations of realities that guide towards her father's mysterious fate. This paternal figure, Kojo, is powerfully depicted by Joseph Otsiman. Kojo is a conflicted character consumed by his past and the consequences of decisions he has made.

The filmmakers adeptly capture the complexities of the father-daughter relationship, using Esi’s perspective to dip in and out of real and mythic realms, creating a dreamlike haze that is as compelling as it is visually stunning.

Kobina Amissah-Sam plays the role of Esi’s desperate and worried uncle who, while searching for his brother, provides Esi with a different perspective on her father's past and their family history. The familial ties that bind together Esi, Kojo, and her uncle form the emotional nexus of the narrative, and their roles set the stage for an exploration of personal and collective histories, survival, and redemption.

The cinematography of the movie is genuinely exceptional, alternately capturing the hypnotic beauty of Ghana's lush regions and the desolate, stark landscapes of the mining communities. The artistic blend of these vivid, emotive scenes introduces a beautiful, yet gritty dimension to the film.

The Burial of Kojo leverages the power of symbolism and metaphysical narrative techniques to illuminate the socio-economic challenges faced by many Ghanaians. The film subtly critiques the ill effects of industrial mines on rural communities and the devastating impacts of poverty on local Ghanaians.

Blitz infuses substantial elements of suspense throughout the film, which are amplified by his skilled use of light and shadow to build tension and dramatic effect. The sound design and musical score also deserve special mention, for playing an integral role in harmoniously uniting the themes and motives.

Another interesting aspect of The Burial of Kojo is the use of the native Twi language of Ghana, along with English, giving it an authentic feel. This choice undoubtedly aids in immersing the audience into the vibrant culture and intricate social fabric of Ghana, giving the country itself a significant role in the film.

In conclusion, The Burial of Kojo is a visually stunning, emotionally compelling film that transcends traditional plot structures to tell a deeply personal story of love, loss, and hope. It boasts captivating performances, an artful blend of reality with a dash of magical realism, prominent societal discourse, and a startling insight into lesser-known aspects of life in contemporary Ghana. A remarkable feature debut from director Blitz the Ambassador, this film can be seen as pushing the boundaries of African cinema and leaves a haunting, indelible impact on its viewers. A must-watch for those interested in thought-provoking cinema that defies expectations.