Watch Up North

Up North is a Nigerian drama film that captures the life of a young man, Bassey Essien, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery after his father's death. The movie is directed by Tope Oshin and features prominent Nigerian movie stars that include Banky W, Adesua Etomi, Michelle Dede, and Ibrahim Suleiman. The movie begins with Bassey (Banky W) as a successful investment banker who has left his humble beginnings in Akwa Ibom State to pursue a career in Lagos. Bassey's father's death disrupts his career and sparks a desire to reconnect with his roots. He journeys to his hometown in the north where he is welcomed by his aunt, Grace (Michelle Dede), and a childhood friend, Amaka (Adesua Etomi).

Up North takes us on a journey through Bassey's experience as he adapts to a new lifestyle and immerses himself in his culture. The movie highlights the beauty of northern Nigeria's landscape, its Islamic culture, and the lifestyle of its people. Bassey's first interaction with the Almajiris (Qur'anic school students) exposes him to the reality of the northern state's education system's plight, which requires attention.

As the story unfolds, we witness Bassey's transformative journey, which brings him closer to his identity, values, and heritage. We also get a glimpse of his budding romance with Amaka, a passionate NYSC member who is committed to empowering the Almajiris through quality education.

Up North's plot is engaging and relatable, touching on themes such as family, culture, love, and self-discovery. Banky W's performance as Bassey is exceptional, portraying a man grappling with grief, identity, and the need for social impact. Adesua Etomi, who plays Amaka, is compelling in her role, breathing life into the character and showcasing her advocacy for meaningful societal impact.

The supporting cast, including Michelle Dede, Ibrahim Suleiman, and Kanayo O. Kanayo, nail their roles, adding depth and diversity to the narrative. Director Tope Oshin does an impressive job of capturing and celebrating the northern Nigerian culture, architecture, art, and people, thereby making the film a visual masterpiece.

One of the highlights of Up North is its cinematography, which brings out the beauty of northern Nigeria's landscape and the culture it represents. The music, featuring Nigerian legends such as Jeremiah Gyang and Bez, adds depth to the movie's themes, emphasizing the need to preserve and embrace Nigeria's diverse culture.

In conclusion, Up North is a must-watch film that captures the essence of Nigeria's unity in diversity through its compelling storyline, relatable characters, exceptional performances, and breathtaking cinematography. It's a movie that will leave you inspired to reconnect with your roots, drive social impact, and embrace the beauty of cultural diversity.

Up North is a 2022 action movie with a runtime of 56 minutes.