Watch Ties That Bind

Ties That Bind is a compelling drama film directed by Ghanaian filmmaker Leila Djansi that delves into the complexities of family relationships, identity, and sacrifice. The movie stars Kimberly Elise, Ama K. Abebrese, and Kofi Adjorlolo. The movie follows the story of three women – Theresa, a successful African-American lawyer living in the US, and the two Ghanaian sisters, Viola and Aida, who had been separated from her for many years. A traumatic incident in their childhood caused a rift between the three women that kept them separated for many years. However, a new crisis brings them together, forcing them to reconnect and address the past.

Theresa's sister, Aida, has been arrested for a crime she didn't commit, and her daughter is missing. Desperate for help, Aida turns to her estranged sister for support. Despite initial reluctance, Theresa decides to go to Ghana to help her sister confront the accusations leveled against her. Upon arriving in Ghana, Theresa reunites with her other sister, Viola, whom she hasn't seen in years.

As the three sisters come together for the first time in years, they must navigate their past traumas and secrets. Theresa confronts the demons that have kept her apart from Aida and Viola since they were young. She learns how to reclaim her African heritage and reconnect with her family's roots.

The story is particularly poignant because of the way the characters are portrayed. As the sisters try to understand what happened in their past, their struggles to reconcile their painful memories are brought to life with powerful emotions. Each of the sisters brings a unique struggle that deals with the various issues they face. Theresa grapples with maintaining the separate identity she has constructed for herself in America away from her African background. Aida, on the other hand, is a strong, independent woman battling depression after losing her daughter. Viola used to be the only one in charge, as the elder of the group, but she now feels lost and conflicted.

Throughout the movie, the themes of love, sacrifice, forgiveness, and courage are explored as each character's story unfolds. The movie is much more than just a family drama, however. It is also a deep exploration of cultural identity, race, and class divides. The conflicts the sisters face represent a larger, more significant struggle between Africa and black people in America and how both groups struggle to remain culturally authentic and embrace each other's differences.

In terms of film-making, the movie doesn't lack ambition. The cinematography is beautiful, showcasing the vivid landscapes of Ghana as well as portraying the story in an effective way. The acting is excellent, and the casting is exceptional. Kimberly Elise, Ama K. Abebrese, and Kofi Adjorlolo all turn in powerful performances, bringing depth and authenticity to their characters.

Ties That Bind is an emotionally powerful movie that explores complex themes in a nuanced way. The story is well-written, and the cast delivers with authenticity, giving the audience an experience that they will not soon forget. Ultimately, the movie demonstrates the power of reconciliation over conflict, emphasizing the importance of family, forgiveness, struggle, and bravery in the face of overwhelming odds. It is just as relevant today as it was when released in 2011.

Ties That Bind is a 2013 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.