Executively produced by Bolaji Idowu (also starring as self) and Daniel Etim-Effiong (also starring as Ubong) and directed by Great-Valentine Edochie, “You May Only Kiss the Bride” is a faith-based film. A Christian Romantic comedy.
With an incredibly impressive runtime of 1hour 23minutes, this movie captures the struggles of a single lady who is faced with pressure from her family and, consequently, herself to find a husband.
While this is a very well-known issue, bedeviling many singles, both male and female, especially as portrayed in movies, this particular film actually took a different approach.
As I watched, I couldn’t help but think about Hollywood’s Tyler Perry and his style of storytelling when it comes to movies within this genre.
PLOT SUMMARY
Toke (Dorcas Ariyiike Owolagba) is frustrated with being unlucky in love. On her 31st birthday, her dad for the umpteenth time called in his usual manner to remind her that her time as a woman was running out.
With both her friends Didi (Munachi Abii) and Rachael (Teniola Aladese) married, having a family of their own and with the last straw that threatens to break the camel’s back, Toke hatches a plan giving herself an ultimatum.
MY THOUGHTS
All along, I couldn’t help but admire the lady who played Toke. Her dimples are simply breathtaking, giving her a charming smile. She also kinda looks like Bolaji Ogunmola in a certain kind of way. Her voice-over is just the icing on the cake. I think this is one movie which voice over I really enjoyed - it was vibrant, lively, funny, emotional, and interesting.
The actors did an awesome job in the interpretation of their roles. It made this movie feel relaxing to watch. The directing, without trying to do too much, actually did a great job weaving the plot into a beautiful story with an excitingly happy ending.
I liked the breastmilk extraction done by Didi. That was so satisfying to watch. Please judge me not…The later Church scene was lovely to see.
Let’s talk about that opening scene with Instagram sensation Femi Babs playing Pastor. Honestly, that gave me mixed feelings as to the topic preached to the age-bracket that was in attendance. I said to myself “Oh no…this is traumatising!”
Indeed, someone was eventually traumatised by that message, which then led to an informed decision that shaped their lifestyle. Was it for good or for bad? That one... you may want to find out in the story!
Seriously, I just wish they had used a different setting with a different topic for that first scene as opposed to a Church auditorium & all the shenanigans of the Pastor and his assistant cos initially, it felt like I was watching a skit. A not-so-patient viewer may actually click away. I know it was meant to be funny, but for me, it was distracting.
Be that as it may, that first scene was later explained as it perfectly blended with the story. It was refreshing to see that a theme of chastity would be reflected in a film in this manner. I’m pleased with the overall outcome of this film. This wasn’t very preachy but passed a divine message that this generation actually needs.
The question, however, is, will they comply? Immorality seems to be the order of the day. And with many marriages hitting rock bottom due to sexual incompatibilities between couples and a host of other reasons, many people (especially unmarried ones) including Christians appear to have discarded that biblical injunction enshrined in Hebrews 13:4 and would rather “taste the goods before purchase”
Candidly, I really enjoyed watching this. Made me smile like a teenage Christian boy in love. Daniel Etim-Effiong and Dorcas really had a good connection so much so that one can feel all the emotions. It seemed real.
The picture quality of this movie was good. the audio was great, the soundtrack/music was on point, and the acting was amazing. Kudos to all the cast and crew involved in this project.
Thanks for stopping by.
SOKA 🖤