Watch Azali

Azali is a drama film directed by Kwabena Gyansah and produced by Ananse Entertainment. The movie takes place in the 21st century, in a remote village in Northern Ghana. It tells the story of Amina, a 14-year-old girl, who is forced to leave school when her mother dies. Amina, who dreams of becoming an educated and successful woman, is instead forced into an arranged marriage to a 70-year-old man.

The beginning of the movie sets the stage for Amina's journey. We see her with her mother, who is clearly sick and struggling to work. Amina attends school and lives a relatively normal life, but when her mother dies, everything changes. She is told that she cannot continue with her education and is instead sent to live with her father, who abandoned her and her mother years ago. Her father, who also has a new wife and child, refuses to take her in and sends her to live with her grandmother.

Amina's grandmother, who is her only living relative, is struggling to make ends meet. She is a street seller and barely makes enough money to survive. With the addition of a new mouth to feed, things seem dire. As a result, Amina is sent away to live with her father's family in the north. It is there that she is forced into an arranged marriage with the elderly man, who is a wealthy businessman.

The marriage is intended to benefit Amina's father and uncle, who stand to gain financially from the arrangement. But for Amina, it means the end of her dreams and the beginning of a life of servitude. She is treated poorly by her husband's family and is forced to work long hours, tending to their needs. She is also subjected to physical abuse by her husband.

As the movie progresses, we see Amina's struggles with her new life. She longs to escape and return to school, but she knows that it's not possible. She forms a bond with her husband's maid, who is also a victim of abuse. Together, they plan an escape, which results in a tragic turn of events.

Throughout the movie, we see the effects of poverty and patriarchy on the lives of the characters. Amina's story is a reflection of the struggles of many women in Northern Ghana, who are denied education and forced into early marriages. We see how cultural traditions and lack of education perpetuate this cycle, and how it affects women's lives.

The movie's cast is a mix of veteran actors and newcomers. Asana Alhassan, who plays Amina, delivers a remarkable performance. Her portrayal of a young girl struggling to survive in a harsh world is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Akofa Edjeani Asiedu, who plays Amina's grandmother, also delivers a strong performance. Her portrayal of a woman trying to make a living in a difficult environment is both realistic and moving. Adjetey Anang, who plays one of Amina's abusers, is chilling in his portrayal. His character is a reminder of the harsh reality that many women face in Northern Ghana.

The movie's cinematography is also noteworthy. The film is shot in a way that captures the beauty of Northern Ghana, while also highlighting the harsh realities of life there. The use of natural light and earthy tones adds to the movie's overall aesthetic.

Azali is a powerful movie that tells an important story. It sheds light on the struggles of women in Northern Ghana and the impact of poverty and patriarchy on their lives. The movie's strong performances, beautiful cinematography, and compelling story make it a must-watch.

Azali is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.