Directed by Robert O. Peters, Written by Musa Jeffery David, Produced by Play Network Studios
MOVIE REVIEW: Streaming on Netflix since its premiere on October 25, 2024, Hijack ’93 is a Nigerian thriller that revisits the audacious 1993 hijacking of a Nigerian Airways flight by four teenagers protesting the military government’s annulment of the June 12 presidential election. With a stellar cast featuring Nnamdi Agbo, Allison Emmanuel, Adam Garba, Oluwaseyi Akinsola, Nancy Isime, Sharon Ooja, and John Dumelo.
Backed by Play Network Studios’ ambition to spotlight Nigeria’s historical narratives, the film arrives with high expectations. However, while it succeeds in sparking curiosity about a lesser-known chapter of Nigeria’s past, Hijack ’93 struggles to deliver the gripping suspense and emotional depth needed to elevate it beyond a surface-level retelling.
Plot and Historical Context
Hijack ’93 dramatizes the real-life hijacking of an Airbus A310 by Richard Ogunderu, Kabir Adenuga, Benneth Oluwadaisi, and Kenny Rasaq-Lawal, here fictionalized as Omar (Nnamdi Agbo), Ben (Allison Emmanuel), Kayode (Adam Garba), and Dayo (Oluwaseyi Akinsola). The teenagers, driven by frustration over the military’s refusal to honor the 1993 election won by MKO Abiola, seize a Lagos-to-Abuja flight, demanding democratic reforms and threatening to burn the plane if their demands are unmet. The film unfolds over the three-day standoff in Niamey, Niger, where the plane lands due to insufficient fuel, blending tense negotiations with glimpses of the hijackers’ motivations.
- Advertisement -
The historical backdrop—Nigeria’s volatile 1980s and 1990s, marked by coups, election annulments, and widespread unrest—is ripe for cinematic exploration. The film nods to this context, referencing the Movement for Democracy and the socio-political turmoil under General Ibrahim Babangida’s regime. Yet, it often relies on heavy-handed exposition, such as newsreels and dialogue, to convey this history, missing opportunities to weave it organically into the narrative.
What Works
The film’s strongest asset is its premise, which shines a light on an event many Nigerians, especially younger audiences, may not know. Producer Charles Okpaleke’s vision to preserve such stories for global audiences is commendable, and Hijack ’93 succeeds in sparking conversations about Nigeria’s democratic struggles. The opening sequences, with the hijackers boarding the plane and executing their plan, are taut and engaging, setting expectations for a high-stakes thriller. A clever twist involving a flight attendant’s complicity adds intrigue, and the film’s 90-minute runtime keeps it brisk.
The cast delivers earnest performances, with Nnamdi Agbo standing out as Skipper (Omar), the group’s conflicted leader, whose intensity hints at the weight of his mission. Sharon Ooja and Nancy Isime, though underutilized, bring poise to their roles as passengers, while John Dumelo’s presence as a crew member adds gravitas. The production values, including authentic aircraft interiors and period-appropriate costumes, reflect Play Network’s investment in quality, supported by the British Film Institute and the UK’s Department of International Trade.
Where It Falters
Despite its promising setup, Hijack ’93 stumbles in execution, particularly in its screenplay and pacing. Musa Jeffery David’s script struggles to balance action, drama, and historical commentary, resulting in a narrative that feels disjointed. The film’s tension fizzles after the initial hijacking, with repetitive scenes of the hijackers waving guns and shouting demands. Key emotional moments, such as the hijackers’ backstories, are underdeveloped, leaving viewers disconnected from their motivations. For instance, Kayode’s budding romance with a passenger feels forced and detracts from the high-stakes atmosphere.
The film’s attempt to humanize the hijackers is noble but inconsistent. Lines like “all lives matter” or “avenge me” feel anachronistic or melodramatic, clashing with the setting. Additionally, the passengers’ reactions often lack the terror expected in a hostage crisis, undermining the thriller elements. Critics have noted the absence of deeper historical context—such as the political climate under Babangida or the hijackers’ meticulous planning—which could have enriched the story and clarified their desperation. The resolution, while faithful to the real event’s peaceful end, feels abrupt and lacks emotional payoff.
Technical missteps further hamper the experience. Inconsistent pacing, particularly in the lethargic second act, makes the film feel longer than its runtime. Some dialogue, like a character calling fuel “gasoline,” feels out of place for a Nigerian setting, and minor anachronisms disrupt immersion. While the film aims for suspense, it rarely captures the psychological pressure of classic hijacking thrillers, such as United 93 or Captain Phillips.
Reception and Impact
Hijack ’93 has garnered mixed reviews. It achieved significant viewership, amassing 7.3 million views globally by November 12, 2024, and ranking third on Netflix’s Global Chart for English films, a milestone for Nollywood. Neerja Choudhuri of Midgard Times praised its “well-crafted” screenplay and gave it an 8/10, but others, like Noghama Ehioghae of African Folder, rated it a 3.6/10, citing its failure to convey emotional and historical weight. On IMDb, it holds a 3.8/10, with user reviews lamenting its lack of suspense and character depth.
The film has sparked debate about Nollywood’s approach to historical storytelling. Comparisons to films like 76 or October 1, which delve deeper into Nigeria’s past, highlight Hijack ’93’s shortcomings. However, its global reach and conversations about the 1993 hijacking underscore its cultural significance. As Nnamdi Agbo noted, the film’s ambition is to ignite dialogue about Nigeria’s history, a goal it partially achieves.
Final Verdict
Hijack ’93 is a bold but flawed attempt to bring a pivotal Nigerian event to the screen. Its strong premise, talented cast, and historical relevance make it a worthwhile watch for those curious about Nigeria’s past, but its uneven pacing, shallow character development, and lack of suspense prevent it from soaring. For Nollywood fans and history buffs, it’s a commendable effort that sparks curiosity, but it falls short of the gripping thriller it aspires to be. With tighter scripting and deeper historical integration, it could have been a standout. As it stands, it’s a watchable but forgettable addition to Nollywood’s growing catalog.
Rating: 5.5/10
Watch HIJACK ’93 Nollywood Movie on Netflix to form your own opinion and join the conversation about Nigeria’s untold stories.
Published by NMN.ng, Nigeria’s premier source for entertainment and cultural commentary.
References:
1. Hijack ’93 wiki page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hijack_%2793
2. The49thStreet Hijack ’93 review: https://the49thstreet.com/hijack-93-review-a-missed-opportunity/
3. NollyCritic Hijack ’93 review: https://nollycritic.com/hijack-93-a-timely-attempt-at-retelling-nigerian-history/
