The story is told from two perspectives: that of a young pregnant woman, and that of her husband, a soldier suspected of involvement in the 1976 military coup and the assassination of General Murtala Mohammed, Nigeria's head of state.
"76" is a meticulously detailed Nigerian historical fiction drama about a young soldier accused of complicity in the abortive coup of 1976, and his pregnant wife who helps him prove his innocence.
The movie is set six years after the civil war and follows the story of Captain Joseph Dewa (Ramsay Nouah) from the middle belt, who gets into a relationship with Suzy (Rita Dominic) a young O-Level student from the Southeastern part of Nigeria. Due to ethnic differences, he is despised by her family and unable to pay her bride price and officially become her husband.
"76" is not entirely a movie about the 1976 coup. The events of "1976" pilot the circumstances that form the setting for the movie. Murtala Muhammed, Dimka and Obasanjo are not explicitly mentioned, however, the administration and events are alluded in scenes such as when Major Gomos (Chidi Mokeme) says to Captain Dewe,"10, 000 innocent public officials have been dismissed because they have no voice" ; After General Muhammed became head of state in 1975, he dismissed over 10,000 public officials and employees without benefits, on account of age, health, incompetence, or malpractice.
This movie doesn't get its eminence from action pyrotechnics as a 'war film,' but from its dialogue, cast, plot and cinematography. For Ihr 58mins, "76" successfully enthrals, making it impossible to sit through it without leaving with memorable moments or at least the urge to further be enlightened about the Nigerian history.
Technically, the film is beautifully captured, pays a lot of attention to details and the musical score carries the film along and matches the visuals.
A success, the movie has the required tension, splendiferous direction, entertainment value, technical expertise and first-rate acting. It is without doubt one of the best movies of 2016, and definitely a 2017 award contender.
In an era where History is gradually being blotted out, it is important that events like that of 1976 are remembered. "76" debuts in cinemas nationwide on Friday, November 25, 2016.
