By the year 1923, cinema became a form of entertainment for the people of Ghana.The Ghanaian Film Industry has seen ups and downs with regards to development. Films made in Ghana touched on culture and traditional values of the people. The people felt the movies were portraying them hence their willingness to walk to the cinemas to watch the films.
In the 1990’s, a lot of made in Ghana films became rampant and therefore increased the Ghanaian interest in films. We know most of you did not get the opportunity to watch and appreciate the movies in the 90’s. So we at ‘The Movie Train‘ has made it a point to bring some of these movies to your attention.
Also, to those who did watch those movies, we give you the opportunity to reminisce about these movies. Below are some movies made in the 90’s that gained a lot of attention.
Diabolo (1992)
Wait!!! How many of you were privileged to be in the Diabolo era? Mimicking the tricks of the Diabolo man in schools, telling our friends about the movie during breaks. Let’s us know in the comment section.
Diabolo is a 1992 Ghanaian film that tells the story of a man who has the power to transform into a serpent. He uses this power to sexually assault and kill women, mostly sex workers. The character is played by Bob Smith Junior, subsequently popularly referred to as Diabolo.
Diabolo is directed by Bob Smith Junior, and starring other cast such as Eddie Coffie and the late Prince Yawson. Though shot with low film equipment in those days, Diabolo was classic that got everyone talking about it.
Mamma Mia (1995)
Don’t be shy about it. Let’s know if you didn’t watch this movie when it was released by commenting. I didn’t watch it myself in those days.
Mamma Mia is another classic Ghanaian film directed by Bob Smith Jnr in 1995. Set in Verona as well as Accra, it was one of the earlier films to focus on the lives of Ghanaians living in Europe. The success of the film led to subsequent movies titled, Mamma Mia Part 2 (Double Trouble – 1998) and Mamma Mia 3 (Black is Black – 2000).
Deadly Voyage (1996)
The first time I watched this movie, I cried; probably the first time I cried after watching a movie. The treatment of the stow away refugees was inhumane. I must add, the acting was spectacular.
Plot of Deadly Voyage
Hoping to find a better life, dockworker Kingsley Ofosu (Omar Epps) and eight other Ghanaian refugees stowaway on a Ukrainian cargo ship headed for the United States via France. The ship’s sailors discover the refugees when they search for water. Because of an earlier violation in New York City, the captain told the crew that they would be responsible for any new fines. The crew decides to avoid any penalty by murdering the stowaways, who must fight to stay alive until docking in France.
Deadly Voyage is directed by John Mackenzie and produced by HBO NYC Productions, and written by Stuart Urban, initially released in June 15 1996. Starring David Dontoh, Omar Epps, Juliet Asante, Joss Ackland and many others.
If you have watched Captain Philips released in 2013, just know that the horror in Captain Philips is child’s play.
