ON BENDED KNEES

Posted in Recommended by - June 18, 2014
ON BENDED KNEES

Starring: Chioma Akpotha, Chet Anekwe, Seun Akindele

Synopsis:  

A pastor’s devotion to the church leads his wife into temptation when she feels neglected in the marriage.  

Review:

Reuben (Seun Akindele), head pastor at the church, took his job seriously.  Phone calls from members, church functions, and counseling all took precedence over his marriage to Kemi (Chioma Akpotha). Kemi constantly voiced her complaints but Reuben always placed her needs on backburner.

So Kemi found a new job after a three-year search and she couldn’t even celebrate the news with her husband because he was too caught up watching a sermon on television. The position turned out to be great for her as she was quick to realize the needs of the company and offered valid suggestions.

As Kemi worked closely with her boss and traveled on business trips, the two developed an attraction. Taking the next step in their relationship was tempting but Kemi reminded her boss that she was a married woman.

Meanwhile, politics brewed at the church as some members attended for financial benefits while others sought position. Gloria (Sylvya Oluchy) was annoyed that her husband wasn’t the head pastor. If he were in charge it would mean that she would receive special attention as first lady of the church instead of Kemi. 

Gloria happened to be in the right place at the right time when she received pictures of Kemi with her boss that implied they were having an affair. Gloria used the photos and other information to start a scandal with the intent of removing Reuben as head pastor.

The plan backfired when her husband remained loyal to Reuben and refused to be his successor. Ultimately, Reuben’s dismissal from the church served as a blessing in disguise because it forced him to finally take a good look at his wife.

Let’s Talk. This movie is drama and romance peppered with spirituality. Reuben and Kemi were married but practically lived separate lives. He was all about the church and took Kemi for granted but her new job certainly filled the void.

Ebube (Chet Anekwe) was Kemi’s new boss and he appreciated her business savvy and genuinely liked her. Flowers, chocolate, and dinners renewed her spirit as Ebube made her feel like a woman again. It was wrong for Ebube to pursue a married woman but he saw an opening when Reuben was a no-show at an event where Kemi was being honored. She had no one to share the moment with and Ebube gladly filled in.

There’s a scene where Kemi and Ebube’s daughter met for the first time. Kemi and Ebube arrived in a car and naturally Kemi sat in the front seat. When Adaora (Nicole Ndigwe) realized she would have to sit in the back she rudely voiced her displeasure. It was an awkward moment and Ebube was embarrassed by his daughter’s behavior. This was a telltale sign that people don’t always say what they mean. Adaora wasn’t concerned about being in the backseat of her father’s car; she feared being in the backseat of his life. Her father’s new relationship provoked insecurity but Kemi and Adaora later developed a special bond. The scenes that displayed them getting along were adorable. 

Another subplot in the story dealt with Ebube’s spiteful wife who was in constant need of money to support her drug habit. She perceived Kemi as Ebube’s “new girlfriend” and she slyly took pictures of them as they dined out. She then presented the photos to the church hoping they would buy her silence and avoid a disgrace to the church. In terms of comments, I thought it was too convenient that Ebube’s ex was able to connect Kemi to Reuben and the church.

When push came to shove Reuben was shocked by the pictures and was ready to end the marriage. Although Kemi didn’t have a physical affair she did have one in spirit. In the end, the very church that Reuben lived for voted him out as head pastor.

The movie had some thought provoking dynamics. For example, various religions interpret the bible differently yet it was interesting to hear those of the same denomination interpret the scriptures in a way that suited their own purposes. 

Although people go to church to worship God, the movie demonstrates that people don’t drop politics, competition, and selfishness at the door. The truth of the matter is that people go to church to socialize, sell products, gossip, find a husband, and oh yeah…listen to the sermon. 

In terms of the plot, I’m sure many married women would hope that the “other woman” is actually the church. From that aspect, the problems between Kemi and Reuben wasn’t the worst but it sure made a good story.

As for the characters, I believed Reuben and Kemi as a married couple but I think the more interesting couple was Thomas and Gloria. Thomas (Chukwudi Leonard-Oji) was such a noble Christian and a loyal friend to Reuben yet he was married to such a schemer. How is that possible? Lol. Gloria was willing to sell her soul to be first lady. Talk about “opposites attract!” Surely there were other aspects of their relationship that made them compatible but they were definitely the most contrasting characters of the movie.

Performances? Seun Akindele rocked it out.  He must have drunk some “pastorized” juice because he totally transformed into the character. Chioma Akpotha was responsible for most of the emotional connection in the movie. She successfully displayed the various sides of the character – the integrity, the passion, and the anger as she struggled with the status of being a pastor’s wife.

In terms of technicalities, it’s evident that there was some effort made with the sound. The dialogue was crisp and clear. Halleluiah! Our complaints about inadequate sound haven’t fallen upon deaf ears. There were also some nice music choices made in the film.

This movie was a blessing. It was substantial because God’s word drove it and that’s what made it interesting. It wasn’t overly preachy but it got its points across. I enjoyed this movie. It was competently done and reminds us to always forgive. RECOMMEND

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12 Comments on "ON BENDED KNEES"

  • JJ

    I have seen this movie before and it was a winner with me then and since I’ve read the review this maybe one I’m adding to my collection..I found a movie site where it is available..original copy too.

    • TalkAfricanMovies

      This movie is one of my favorites. I had it on my shelf for the longest time and didn’t watch it because for some reason I thought it would be boring. Something made me pick it up one day and I watched it and I was pleasantly surprised. I love this movie for different reasons – the story, acting, and the religious aspects of it. It’s one of the few movies that I’ve watched twice. Loved it.

    • JJ

      Ordered this one today also..great storyline and cast.

      • TalkAfricanMovies

        Hey JJ, I watched twice – back to back. I really enjoyed it. Def one of my favorites and one of RAA’s best.

  • JJ

    Also got this one too.

  • JJ

    Whoaa they don’t get any better than this one. I remember this movie cause I started watching it on youtbe but never finished it..youtube took it down and once I read your review it all came back to me and so glad I now have this one in my collection. Pastor Thomas wife was pure DEVIL..music soundtrack was great courtesy of Austine Erowele.

  • Have you ever thought about including a little bit more than just your articles?

    I mean, what you say is important and everything. Nevertheless think about if you added some great images or videos to give your posts more,
    “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images and videos,
    this site could definitely be one of the best in its field.
    Terrific blog!

    • TalkAfricanMovies

      Hey Lenora, thank you for your kind words & advice. I understand your point but only a picture of the DVD is required for reviews and I do post videos/trailers here and there. It’s best to keep it at a minimum as it could eventually slow the site down. All the Best!!

  • Abbey

    Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and
    wanted to say that I’ve really enjoyed browsing your blog posts.
    I hope you write again very soon!

    • TalkAfricanMovies

      Thank you, Abbey.

  • Yaw

    How do i get this movie?

    • TalkAfricanMovies

      Hi Yaw, since this isn’t a current movie I would suggest Youtube or Irokotv.

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