Citation (2020) User Reviews

Way too long

[Abdulxoxo · 6/10 · 9 January 2021]

This movie had the potential to be a great movie but lengthy runtime and other pointless elements ruin the movie's noble intentions. There are some superfluous scenes that drag to the core and add nothing to the storyline (concert and the other lecture scenes). I think about half an hour could have been shaved off here and there and by tightening the film, it might have had a slightly better impact. I was expecting the ending to leave an impact and give a triumphant feeling but sadly, none of that happened. The flashbacks, which happen to be the MOST important scenes, are only featured far and in between. With such thin and tad predicable plot, they should have gone with a more linear storyline and only then would this movie leave a resounding impact.

The acting is actually a bit bland, nothing outstanding. Temi Otedola in the lead role is ok at best, she's unable to carry the movie like she's supposed to. Ini Edo played Moremi's 'Auntie' I mean friend, her character is lively and fun, she lit up the scene with her presence. Jimmy Jean-Louis played the two-faced, sexual predator Professor N' Dyare, his performance is actually decent, but that wig is horrible man, what were they thinking?

I like the look of the film, it's quite stunning, thanks to the beautiful cinematography, the fantastic camera-work that captures the amazing sceneries and characters emotions with good, eye-level seeking shots. The music fits with the film's mood and is soothing to the ear.

Overall, the message Citation is trying to pass to the general public is golden, it's relevant and still rings true in today's society.

Captures the quintessence of the horrid issue

[samabc-31952 · 7/10 · 22 May 2021]

More than 11% of all level students experience rape or sexual assault! Only 20% of female students report such incident to authorities. Even though 2/3rd of college students experience sexual harassment in campus, 89% of colleges report no such incident on campuses. (Source: American Association of University Women) And the data in a country like Nigeria is quite appalling! "The majority (69.8%) of the respondents had been sexually harassed, with the main perpetrators being male classmates and lecturers. And requests to do something sexual in exchange for academic favors is 32.2%." (Source: National Library of Medicine) The story contextualizes this horrid issue. It is based on the true events. Good cinematography esp few sceneries from Cape Verde and Senegal... .However, shorter runtime could have made this movie crispier. Also, the script writing lacks subtleness with somewhat middle-of-the-road dialogues. But it is still a MUST watch movie as it still captures the quintessence of the issue and delivers a clear message.

He Said, She Said.

[nammage · 7/10 · 22 November 2020]

So, this film is about a girl in college who gets sexually assaulted by a professor, who's popular, and brings it to the attention of the school and a 'trial' is held by the school administration. Basically a "he said, she said." While I don't put much stock in fictional tellings of a 'true story' ('cause it's rarely accurate to the actual story) this is supposedly based on a documentary where people went undercover at varying universities in Nigeria and Ghana and recorded the interactions made by staff to the undercover student(s). So, in that vein: more true than not however the 'trial' seems total fiction to outline the scenario, which is totally fine.

This film shows very well how one can change a narrative by slightly changing a phrase from a positive to a negative (or vice versa.) The main problem with films like this is they provide two points-of-views when it should provide three but; and I know that's not the easiest thing to do especially since this film doesn't necessarily tell you present-tense and past-tense separately. One has to figure that out for themselves though one can tell in most scenes but not really in all scenes. Now, it's not a great film in the vein I think it was trying to be to resonate the advocacy of bringing attention to the broader issue of the subject matter and that's because in the flashbacks it shows the one point-of-view, and then speaks of a second point-of-view. Meaning: the one point-of-view shown is the truth and the spoken point-of-view is the lie. That's why a third should have been present to be better represented in a more equal telling. It also could have been 20-30 minutes or so shorter and primarily because it kept deviating from the message of the film and added unnecessary fodder.

Overall, it's a good film but not a great film. What makes it not so great is the thriller aspect they added to the last 30 minutes where the professor previously got another girl pregnant and after she had the baby she commits suicide as if a 'shooting gun' scenario is needed for the overall message of the film. It isn't. It never is. The message is what's important but one doesn't need to dilute that message with thriller aspects. This is not to say, in general, it's an untruth but this is a fictional story probably based on a documentary on various people not a single person. Start with that, if one must, not end with it.

Revolution

[ks-60500 · 6/10 · 27 November 2020]

It's part of history that countries somewhere in the world that sexual harassment is kept under the table. It's a journey in history by a woman victim that change the standard. Good movie with teh content and casts as well.

OK but WAY TOO LONG

[jmvscotland · 7/10 · 12 May 2021]

I quite agree with what many others have said here about this movie. It tells an important story (based on a true one evidently) but the movie is WAY TOO LONG at two and a half hours and the "acting" is not really convincing at all. The acting in particular from the Gloria character was just dreadful. Every scene she played involved eye-rolling that was way over the top and quite unnecessary. I live in Thailand where Thai TV programs and movies are also way over acted which led me to believe that "Gloria" had probably done her acting training in Thailand rather than in West Africa.

This story really could have been very adequately told in 90 minutes. The extra hour just made it somewhat annoying. All the same, it was a decent movie and I rate it 7.0

JMV.

A BRILLIANT MOVIE WITH A FEW PECKS

[rtfartisticdirector · 7/10 · 25 November 2020]

Citation is a good reference when perceived from a filmmaking point o view. The opening visuals were stunning and richly endowed with breath-taking cinematography utilizing calculated rhythmic camera movements. The story is apt and timely, in view of the current agitations against sexual molestation and abuse in Nigerian Universities. The sound design is realistic and it helped with the story progression. The setting was natural and relatable; likewise the characters. Now, to the structure. The non-linear nature of the storytelling made it easier to keep the viewer glued to the unfolding story; blurring out all rigid demarcations between the inciting incident, lock-in, right up to the first and main culminations. However, the mise en scene countered the suspense in the plot and structure. It was clear from the beginning that the professor was guilty hence, I was just waiting for the end of the movie to see the 3rd act twist - which came with little surprises. The predictability of the conflict resolution watered down the anticipation that would have ordinarily fueled the dynamism of my emotions throughout the 190 minutes of pure artistry on screen. I also found Moremi to be more fluent in French than in Yoruba, which is not too much of a bad thing if only her effort in delivering her lines in Yoruba didn't affect her overall performance in those scenes. Her strongest scenes were those in which she spoke french... oh, it was a beauty to behold! All the key actors were exceptional - especially the Professor, and Gabriel Afolayan, who graced his scenes with his signature near-lifelike acting. Ini Edo was good but didn't quite hit an exceptional note with her performance. Overall, Citation is a brilliant movie with a high production value. It is embellished with well-thought-through artistry from the lighting design to the cinematography, and overall production design. From my subjective point of view, it might have been graded differently to keep it contemporary. But this doesn't undermine the grading it currently has. Finally, Citation did what every contemporary movie should do - reflect the times, and address pertinent issues amidst the entertainment. Just like Kunle's past movies, Citation triumphs in elaborating a simple plot with believable characters, placed in realistic situations.

Well done, Kunle.

Unnecessarily long

[docbiancapeace · 3/10 · 10 November 2020]

For me, This movie has a good story but it was unnecessarily long, had unnecessary scenes and it was slow. Plot holes and weak acting that appears so exaggerated. Boring, not gripping, baffling Unrealistic characters as well for a Nigerian setting. I had to keep checking if I've watched up to 45minutes. The plot holes were terrible nothing made me want to watch more

A film that simply seeks to raise awareness.

[faer_kr · 9/10 · 8 November 2020]

Until when will we keep silent about gender sexual harassment? This film tackles this scandalous and little treated subject in a masterful way. Invites and encourages not to remain silent when you are sexually harassed, to raise your voice and not see it as something normal or something that happened because of carelessness or because someone caused it. It shows both the version of the victim and the perpetrator making it interesting. It seeks to awaken in women the awareness of raising their voices and it succeeds. It is about an international academic who is accused of sexual harassment by the best student in the class and they are taken to the school hearing to clarify things, but the situations that arise turn the case around. Quality. Entertaining Baffling. Current. Safety pin. Slightly parsimonious, they abuse the detail of developing each thing in the last situation, so the duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes. The script is interesting and smart. Some performances are at the level and others not so much. Told in two times where the present is in full screen and the past in cinema mode. A film that simply seeks to raise awareness. A powerful African drama.

Fresh POV

[JnRosario · 7/10 · 25 January 2021]

It is not the kind of cinema we are used to in the western hemisphere, but the production highlights not only a story to develop, but also the colors and culture of the region in which it takes place.

A script with more potential to be exploited, but with good camerawork and direction. We can consider the good performances, which cover any non-obvious lack of the film.

Important story, too long, poor acting.

[kolawolla · 2/10 · 3 December 2020]

The videography(?) was very high quality. However, all else failed. The plot, dialogue, acting were mediocre at best. Unnecessary / too long scenes. Had lots of potential, but fell flat. Felt like they weren't trying to make a great movie, just one that would distract its audience with great scenic shots and unnecessary french. This might be me being picky, but as a Nigerian I would prefer not to read subtitles for HALF the movie, especially for a non-nigerian language. Good effort, Kunle.

Citation, an itinerary for justice!

[thompsonprincewill · 8/10 · 7 November 2020]

Citation delivers on giving us a logical representation of what happens in the real world to a large percentage of the youth, particularly students, and more particularly those of the female gender.

It portrays the flaws in the educational system, the power of the judicial system, the strength in a positive united voice and agenda, and the fault in our so-called stars. It's narrative sequence and epic flashbacks deserve honorable mentions as they draw us deep into realms unfamiliar and virtually unseen to the distant eye.

Morever, at such a sensitive time as this in the year 2020; it butresses the point of power in the people; and most importantly echoes this particular quote- "The government should be afraid of the people, and not the other way around" .

The manipulation, the jury, the tales of well-favored lies, together with the splendid academia, fun, celebrations and music all make this movie a must see!

Beautiful storyline BUT It was a waste of precious 2hrs

[autravelsandtours · 2/10 · 15 November 2020]

The story line should get a 10/10 because I can understand the trust and deception that could occur between a naive, young and smart lady and a much older personality both in academics and age. I rate the acting 2 because it was so obvious it was an act, none of the actors OWNED the character portrayed. It was bland and cold at the same time. Unfortunately, I sat and watched just because I'm not a quitter.

Terrible Plot and Terrible acting

[mykolomykolo · 3/10 · 11 November 2020]

The 3 star is for the cinematography which was spectacular and also the use of different languages. The plot was terrible and the acting was meh. I don't understand the hype. Jimmy Jean Louis wig was also terrible. I had to endure throughout the movie because I wanted to see if it would get any better but it got worse. Also, the lead actress was as bland as white rice she didn't really have a personality. Please if you haven't seen this movie don't waste your time.

Citation: Kunle Afolayan's Deceptively Simple Yet Incredibly Complex Movie

[darafunmi · 9/10 · 11 November 2020]

Kunle Afolayan's latest directorial effort is a juxtaposition of sorts. Deceptively simple, but incredibly complex, Citation combines several elements in the telling of one story. Warring elements of friendship and betrayal, love and manipulation, courage in the face of adversity, individual triumph over general progress, tell the story of a young lady on a quest for truth and justice.

Citation is a story that spans three African countries, carrying you on a nostalgic journey to the halls of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun state, to the hot expanse of Senegal, and the watery coasts of Portuguese speaking Cape Verde.

The movie takes on a wholesome approach in tackling the sensitive and sore subject of sexual harassment, particularly in an academic setting. Rather than let itself be stifled by the negative aura of this subject, the movie is punctuated by love, music, humour, beautiful languages and heartwarming scenes, delivering a delicate balance to the tense stories of betrayal, manipulation and lies.

This work of art expertly displays the role perception plays in the expression of reality. In the search for truth, it becomes obvious that individuals have different interpretations of events dictated by their bias, prejudice and relationship with the involved parties.

Temi Otedola delivers a brave and brilliant performance in her debut role as Moremi, a young woman in search of justice. Haitian-American Jimmy Jean-Louis, is enthralling in his transformation as Professor Lucien N'Dyare, the well travelled, well decorated, respected but predatory, supervisory lecturer, who has come all the way from Senegal to spend his sabbatical at OAU.

Gabriel Afolayan, is earnest, cocky and supportive as Moremi's boyfriend Koyejo. Ini Edo, Joke Silva and Ibukun Awosika (who appears as herself) deliver stellar performances in their supporting roles. There are also a number of cameo appearances including Seun Kuti and Kunle Afolayan himself, appearing briefly as Koyejo's brother. In spite of its heavy star power, the plot does not get lost, neither does the story become laborious, but is carried easily by its protagonist's poise and natural grace.

Conversations throughout the movie flow from English, Yoruba, French to Portuguese, forcing you to pay attention to nuances, expressions, body language, more than words. Citation is Kunle Afolayan at his directorial finest, telling a beautiful, warm cross country story set against harsh lines. Temi Otedola delivers a quietly brilliant performance in her debut role as Moremi Oluwa, embodying the courage that anyone seeking justice in the face of adversity must wear.

Interesting story low level acting and casting

[andyreece-46200 · 2/10 · 24 November 2020]

The story is an important one to tell however lacked some of the realities of the real life situation. It was therefore disconnected in some parts. Adding others languages Yoruba and French, was a bad move for the characters given that the pronunciations were very amateur especially the Yoruba for Temi, who could not even pronounce her characters name properly. The so called Igbo characters also had strong Yoruba characteristics which caused another disconnect and made the characters feel unreal. Film was too long for what it was worth.

This was nice and long but worth it

[juanmuscle · 10/10 · 9 November 2020]

IMo, I thought this thing was very well put together. I loved the way they used the flashbacks in court from the protagonist's perspective to unfold the truth , so there was no paraphrasing in the throes of recalling unreliable memories.

It just worked, I also loved that I got to experience through the film another culture and it was nice and sweet and all the ancillary characters added a lot to the story.

And I loved the antagonist how his huge ego got in the way of a functional life for him , really cool! It was all explained and well-thought out. Loved it!

Way to go Netflix, this deserves a lot praise.

Nothing to be excited about

[Chibuikeochili · 5/10 · 21 November 2020]

It's a movie with quite a compelling plot I understand that the director sets out to draw us in as the movie goes deeper, but he failed at that by adding some unnecessary scenes and dragging some of it which resulted in it being very slow and gradually uninteresting for the most part You want to like the lead actress and root for her because of her obvious precarious situation, but the acting is not very convincing, nor endearing this failing to make us fully sympathise with her. She doesn't even speak the local language (Yoruba) properly, then why bother?!! Plot holes are so numerous (I won't mention them, to prevent spoilers), it makes it difficult to watch. The movie is so slow and isn't really captivating The cinematography was very fine and the location management was just as good, they took some really nice shots. The set decorations and costume design would have been very good too, but for the laughable Merkin-like wig they had the Professor wear (I mean!!) The movie had a lot of promise, also coming from one of the best directors in Africa, one in whom we'd expect nothing short of quality, but it ended up being below par, and all for 2½ hours? Common!

Another Nigerian Movie With Lot of Hype but Very Empty.

[Thugs_cry · 2/10 · 16 November 2020]

Nigerian movies are just plain hype with popular people in it. The story could have been way more exciting. The acting and dialogue were weak in many extents. This is a movie for goodness sakes not a stage play, why wear a main actor a fake wig? I won't recommend this to anyone. With the cameras used, equipment and cinematography, you guys have to come up with way better. Also, why spend 2.5 hours just to tell a story of sexual harassment in higher institutions?

If it were food I would say mouth watering

[afungfegeevita-64307 · 9/10 · 7 November 2020]

The film citation is a necessity, I do not see where it would ever run out of relevance. The actors were carefully picked and displayed such professionalism, the location were amazing never new had such good universities in Senegal , the arts and craft of our African leaders carved out the African identity.

The message this movie carries, how it was told is so special, insightful and artistic. The suspense is on another level, the melange of feelings it creates to us the viewers is something else.

Citation is a must watch go watch it on NETFLIX

Too long, bad acting, too much irrelevance

[gaiaweissfeld · 2/10 · 3 January 2021]

The story it's based on is of course important, but the movie in generale is very disappointing. It's way too long, could have been caught down to 1,5 hour instead of 2,5 hours. Acting was terrible and dialogue was incredible stupid.

Spot On!!! 🔥🔥🔥

[djransgh · 9/10 · 9 November 2020]

Definitely African movie of the year, enjoyed every minute of the 2hours 30minutes 😀👏👏👏🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥✔✌

Not a fan

[rxtolu · 4/10 · 15 November 2020]

Movie was okay. However storyline wasn't a 100% realistic , acting was poor and bland, no suspense and no diversifying storylines by the side. Felt like I was watching a play.

Again and again BIAS BIAS

[ayjesu · 1/10 · 8 January 2021]

Citation movie in my own opinion is so unrealistic It's meant 4 a life touching incident student face on daily basis but acted with so little dramatic emotion I'm disappointed cos my hope where high d only thing they got right in D movie is just D costume & setup The casting is just so disappointing why must you be bias again to was casting give people who deserve this spot cmon And I respect the director but he has to do better the directing was awful None invoke the character they were meant to play not one But cmon we all know what was going to happen from the beginning of the movie No plot twist with some unrealistic scene (I still don't understand why the legal counsel was there when they did nothing in actual argument) And the movie mad Nigeria student stupid or not bein street wise cmon that disappointing

Remarkable

[mhowzes · 8/10 · 6 November 2020]

Citation is a blend of artistry work and talented personas

if only the story had deviated from the norm

[ngandacinema · 5/10 · 14 September 2023]

Jimmy Jean-Louis saved the day😃 Citation could have been more stimulating if only it had deviated from the norm...

DELICIOUS

-Jimmy Jean-Louis is a master at his craft. He was deceptive, seductive, smart, elegant, and malignant, he was just splendid 🙌🏾

-The storytelling opened up to a vibrant scene that kept us hooked and set the narrative for the rest of the movie

-The character Lucien was well designed; he had lots of facets that it was hard to decipher who he really was, even at the end, we still felt there were many more dark areas about him

-A good awareness of student sexual harassment

BLAND

-As the lead role, Temi Otedola was not confident when delivering her lines; you could tell through her eyes that she was so uncomfortable😣

And Ini Edo was quite synthetic, a bit overdoing it...

-Is Citation taking place in the past? We were a little confused due to professor Lucien's hairstyle and the color grading; they both appeared antique

-The scenes in Senegal were a bit too stretched making it look like a touristic advertisement rather than complementing the story

-At the end of the day, we've seen tons of stories similar to Citation that it wasn't gripping. A touch of suspense and innovation could have raised the bar.