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Nakom is a 2016 drama film from Ghana, directed by Kelly Daniela Norris and T.W. Pittman. The movie stars Jacob Ayanaba, Grace Ayariga, and Justina Kulidu in the leading roles. The story revolves around a young man named Iddrisu who is studying medicine at a university in Ghana. Iddrisu is forced to drop out of school when his father dies unexpectedly, leaving him with the responsibility of taking care of his family's farm in the rural village of Nakom.

Iddrisu is initially reluctant to return home to Nakom but feels obligated to do so. When he arrives in the village, he discovers that his family's farm is in dire need of repair and his mother is ill. He also finds himself at odds with his younger brother, who resents him for leaving the village to pursue his education. Iddrisu's struggles to help his family and repair his father's legacy serve as the central narrative of the film.

As Iddrisu works to repair the farm, he becomes close with a local girl named Asibi, who helps him to navigate village politics and traditions. Despite his best efforts, Iddrisu finds himself at odds with the village elders who have their own agendas for the future of Nakom. Furthermore, he is forced to confront the harsh realities of life in rural Ghana, including a lack of access to medical care and the pressing need for clean water.

The film offers a poignant examination of the struggle faced by many young people in Africa who are torn between their desire for education and their sense of duty to their families and their communities. For Iddrisu, the decision to leave his studies behind and return home is a difficult one, and his experiences in Nakom test his resolve.

The filmmakers use the beautiful Ghanaian landscape to great effect, capturing the unique rhythms of life in rural Africa. They also employ a subtle use of music, which infuses the film with a serene and contemplative atmosphere. However, despite the picturesque setting, the movie is not without its moments of tension and drama, particularly as Iddrisu finds himself in conflict with the village elders and struggles to reconcile his family responsibilities with his own aspirations.

Throughout the film, the performances of the lead actors are consistently strong. Jacob Ayanaba plays Iddrisu with subtlety and nuance, conveying his character's intelligence and sensitivity while also revealing his sense of responsibility and dedication. Grace Ayariga is similarly excellent as Iddrisu's mother, infusing her character with a quiet strength and dignity.

Despite its ultimately optimistic message, Nakom does not shy away from the harsh realities of life in rural Africa. The film offers a deeply moving portrait of a young man's struggle to balance his own dreams with his sense of duty to his family and community. Ultimately, though, the film's message is one of hope, emphasizing the importance of hard work, dedication, and a deep sense of family and community.

In conclusion, Nakom is a well-crafted and emotionally resonant film that offers a thoughtful and nuanced portrait of life in rural Africa. With strong performances, beautiful cinematography, and a keen sensitivity to the complexity of its characters' lives, this is a movie that deserves to be seen and appreciated by all lovers of heartfelt and socially relevant cinema.

Nakom is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 70.