Review of 'Single and Married'

TITLE: Single and Married
GENRE: Drama
DIRECTOR: Pascal Amanfo
PRODUCER: Yvonne Nelson
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Media Ghana
STORY/SCREENPLAY: Pascal Amanfo
EDITOR/COLORIST: Okey Benson
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Kwame Awuah
PRODUCTION MANAGER: Liebe Edem Ametewee
COSTUMIER: Gloria Ogwu
MAKE-UP: Lydia Ashitey
STARRING: Yvonne Nelson, Nadia Buari, Kofi Adjorlolo, Chris Attoh, Tana Adelana, Jane Awindor, Tiffany, Kweku Elliot, Eddy Watson and many others.

MEMORABLE QUOTES

• "Every player comes to a point where they take off their boots and hang their boots".
• "You make it sound like a jail term. Marriage can't be that difficult, is it?"

Like the every day single and marital films we see on our screens, 'Single and Married' gives a whole different twist as the audience is not just entertained, but educated on both lives - being single and married. Watching this film as a single man looking for a potential wife, i had several points to keep in mind since marriage is and will never be like the many past years of dating several women. This is the stage in life where a man/woman will forever live with that 'special' man/lady for the rest of his/her life.

The opening graphics, the use of the flowers, sent the first message of the film being a romantic comedy. Okey Benson is one editor i admire so much after following his style of edit for some time now. The split screen that was used during the phone call between Chris and Yvonne was more of an error to me than a style. (Being very sincere). It actually worked at the scene where Nadia called Kweku. I have kept this for some time now; 'How many times will we keep using the 'Hollywood' style of proposal?' It is just too much. Pascal could have created something better than the every day 'cloning' of some western culture as a close friend of mine will say. The only thing i admire about that scene is Eddy Watson's 'are you okay?' look as he watched Chris propose to Yvonne.

Okey took me off the hook again when he used sound to heighten mood as he does. As Kweku spoke to encourage Chris for his bold step, the cool music in the background added to the speech until he(Okey) broke it off with a whining sound before Eddy laughed. This showed the seriousness of the speech as the cool music played, but felt stupid in the mind of Eddy as a hip sound accompanied his laughter. (Million gun salute)

The scene where Nadia, Tana and Yvonne went for the wedding gown shopping looked so real than an act since we do see those kind of action from ladies as they prepare for their wedding. This i thought was the first time i experienced real life on screen than acting - which truly defines acting on the part of actors. The marvelous introduction of Anita Erskine (My favorite in this film) was a different touch to the story. Knowing her to be very eloquent and beautiful, her acting skill and the role of a narrator was done to perfection (in my opinion). She did not only act to her best but also spiced the screen with her eloquence. (Already falling for you)

At Efya's apartment, the constant effort of the camera man to adjust his lens as Chris sat in front of the mirror and later stood on his feet, was a bit distracting to the eye even though i later accepted it as a style. (Style - a suppose mistake done repeatedly). Even though Chris played the role of a cheating husband very well, i believe the combination of himself and Yvonne was the best ever. (They should try tying the knot in real life).    

On the other hand, Kweku Elliot did his very best in expressing the needs of some men as he verbally battled it out with Nadia in the bedroom after she refused to give him some 'sex' time as her husband. For Tiffany, the lady was her best. I would prefer to see her as an actress than a musician even though she is doing well in the music industry. The thought of Kofi Adjorlolo in the film any time i recall his bedroom sex scene with Tana only makes me laugh. It makes me imagine a 10 year old promising a 30 year old lady good sex. (Can you imagine).

Apart from the actors playing their specific roles to the best of their abilities, the film is more than a counseling session for married couples and singles. At Ghana Cinema review, we award this good work with a 8.5/10 score.

Great work Pascal Amanfo and crew.