Watch Shoot the Messenger

Shoot the Messenger is a captivating drama film released in 2006 starring Medina Aijikawo, Nikki Amuka-Bird, and Jotham Annan. The movie is set in London and follows the life of Joe, a Black journalist working for a newspaper. As a Black man, Joe is not oblivious to the racial discrimination and inequality that form part of the city's everyday life. He uses his position as a journalist to probe and expose prejudices and injustices, but his bosses prefer not to publish such stories due to the potential backlash they might receive.

Amidst his professional struggles, Joe confronts personal issues, including his complicated romantic relationship with a Black human rights lawyer named Nina, played by the talented Nikki Amuka-Bird. Joe's family background also presents challenges as he belongs to a traditional Nigerian family, and his father, a conservative immigrant, disagrees with Joe's career choice and lifestyle.

When Joe receives a tip about the extrajudicial killing of a young Black man by the police, he is ecstatic with the prospect of a significant story that might put him in the limelight. He does his investigation meticulously and manages to get some exclusive footage of the incident that is both shocking and revealing. However, publishing the story could put Joe in a risky situation since the police and the government could threaten him, his family, and his career.

As Joe wrestles with the ethical dilemma of "shooting the messenger," he must also navigate his challenging relationship with Nina, who has reservations about Joe's intentions and methods. She is also involved in safeguarding the rights of individuals whose cases Joe investigates, which occasionally puts her in a conflict of interest situation.

Apart from Nina, Joe has a circle of friends that includes his brother Danny (Jotham Annan), a streetwise barber-turned-musician, and his best friend Jay (David Oyelowo), an immigrant community activist. However, when Jay takes a radical stance and leads protests against police brutality in the community, Joe is caught in the middle of choosing between loyalty to his community and seeking the truth.

Shoot the Messenger is a movie that tackles sensitive issues surrounding race, politics, and journalism in contemporary British society. The film's plot is both gripping and emotionally engaging, with the cast delivering convincing performances. The movie also addresses pertinent issues related to police mistreatment of minorities and the societal attitudes towards Black people, providing a critique on the role of media in exposing human rights violations.

The movie's cinematography is a blend of bright and muted colors, with the camera successfully capturing the vibrancy and textures of London's streets and buildings. The film also has an excellent soundtrack that features a mix of different genres, including Jazz, Afrobeat, and Hip Hop, which adds to the beauty of the movie.

In summary, Shoot the Messenger is a must-watch movie that goes beyond mere entertainment, as it raises important societal issues, and prompts the viewer to reflect on their own behavior and beliefs. The film's compelling storyline, coupled with excellent acting and directing, makes it one of the best African cinema productions of its time.

Shoot the Messenger is a 2006 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 6.9.