In Force Empire, we are invited to explore the murky waters of corruption and violence within the Nigerian Police Force through the eyes of DCP Mfon. This film promises a not-so-new narrative that tackles pressing issues such as sexual assault and gender discrimination, all while navigating Mfon’s personal and professional challenges.

However, as the film unfolds, it becomes clear that it grapples with shortcomings that may leave some viewers wanting more. So, does Force Empire live up to its potential or fall short of delivering a captivating cinematic experience?

Story

Force Empire takes a fictional delve into the corruption and violence within the Nigerian Police Force through the lens of DCP Mfon.

Driven by an unwavering passion for justice, Mfon perceives her role within the Nigerian Police Force as a platform to champion what is right. However, she finds herself in a dilemma of balancing familial obligations with her professional aspirations, all while navigating the persistent challenges posed by gender-based obstacles in her career. As she navigates these challenges associated with her role, the film captures the audience’s attention with its exploration of sexual assault, and gender discrimination, a theme highlighted in the trailer.

The narrative intensifies when her colleague, Halima, falls victim to a devastating ordeal, igniting Mfon’s resolve to unveil the perpetrator and confront the corruption that tarnishes the very essence of the Nigerian Police Force. As she embarks on this journey, Mfon must contend with resistance from the upper echelons of the organization, testing her courage and integrity in a battle against systemic injustice.

This narrative not only engages viewers but also offers a perspective on a critical issue, presenting it within the specific context of the police force. Despite its familiar backdrop, the film succeeds in delivering a story that encourages reflection on deeply rooted societal problems.

Plot

The film opens with the crime itself, an intriguing choice that establishes the driving force of the plot from the outset. However, while this technique is commonly used in Nigerian crime dramas, it serves its purpose in setting the stage. The use of flashbacks to explore the perspectives of those involved in the crime is well-executed, but the overall plot structure lacks shocks, surprises, or strong thrills. Instead, viewers find themselves passively observing the narrative without being fully engaged. The absence of emotional stakes or unexpected twists diminishes the potential impact of Mfon’s journey, leaving the audience yearning for a more immersive experience.

In summary, while the plot effectively outlines the central themes and motivations, it would benefit from heightened tension and more dynamic storytelling to captivate its audience fully.

The Cinema Experience

Disappointing. The film’s scale felt smaller than the screen, leading me to suspect that cinemas may be screening dubbed copies instead of the original versions. The colours appeared dull, likely due to poor projection, making it difficult to assess the film’s visual quality. Then, the lack of consistent subtitles. This proved frustrating.

We can say for a fact that most Nollywood films released in cinemas are not accommodating for deaf viewers. That aside, subtitles are essential on both sides. This recurring issue often results in missing subtitles or poorly translated ones. In scenes where Igbo was spoken, though frequent, non-Igbo speakers were left in the dark, as subtitles were either inconsistent or absent. Overall, it’s best not to expect reliable subtitle support.

Technical Aspects

Nothing stands out in the technical aspects. Most elements were executed moderately, merely capturing and projecting the story rather than enhancing it. Some editing fell short, with poor transitions between scenes appearing amateurish and reminiscent of old Nollywood techniques. However, the sound design was a notable exception.

At no point did the sound falter or flicker; it was consistently clear and well-executed. Unfortunately, the film’s score included a track that incorporated the tune of the USA national anthem, which was jarring given the film’s Nigerian context. This choice felt out of place. Overall, for a cinema experience, none of the technical aspects are impressive; you could easily watch this film on your device instead.

Performances

Nse Ikpe-Etim as DCP Mfon is a natural actor, even demonstrating subtle breathing techniques that show her deep understanding of the character. Richard Mofe-Damijo also performs exceptionally as IGP Ejiro, along with Mercy Aigbe, who delivers a strong performance.

Another standout performance comes from Enwongoabsi Ibom as ASP Halima, effectively conveying her character’s pain. However, the overall performances reflect a mix of exceptional actors and those who underperform, which can detract from the overall experience.

Other performances in the film include Uwem Umoh as Osaretin, Moses Armstrong, Tony Umez, Sonny McDon, Kunle Coker, Bassey Ekpo Bassey, Aniebiet Francis, and Segun Arinze as AIG Omotosho.

Final Thoughts

While Force Empire presents an exploration of corruption and violence within the Nigerian Police Force, it ultimately feels like an echo of past filmmaking techniques. While the film tackles relevant issues, it falls short of delivering a fresh cinematic experience.

The narrative, while topical, tends to rely on familiar tropes without pushing the boundaries of storytelling or visual style. Audiences may find it an okay film highlighting important themes, yet it lacks the innovative approach needed to resonate in today’s cinematic literacy and landscape, truly.

While the storyline is not entirely new, it shares thematic similarities with Offshoot, released last month, which also addresses the complexities of choosing between career and family. This struggle is particularly relevant for married Nigerian women who aspire to serve their country; some often find themselves forced to prioritize familial bonds and responsibilities over duty and passion, a reality deeply entrenched in societal expectations.

This narrative angle is both interesting and relatable, yet it ultimately lacks a resolution to this pressing issue. Mfon’s journey leads her to choose her job without facing significant consequences for her family, raising questions about the film’s engagement with its central theme.

Moreover, the film touches on a critical aspect of feminism in the Nigerian context. Many Nigerian women resist being labeled as feminists while advocating for female causes because of its societal and social consequences. Force Empire navigates this delicate terrain, emphasizing that women are human first, without indulging in societal labels.

This approach stays neutral, not only resonating with viewers but also inspiring thoughts on social justice issues, making the story relevant and provocative. Despite its familiar backdrop, the film encourages reflection on these deeply rooted societal problems, offering a nuanced perspective that sparks important conversations.

Verdict

Ultimately, Force Empire offers important commentary on societal issues but falls short of delivering a fresh and compelling cinematic experience, making it more suitable for home viewing rather than a cinema outing.

Rating: 3/5