Gone Too Far Review

Film Review

'Gone Too Far' (2013) by Bola Agbaje’s was set in London, Peckham. The film is about a British-Nigerian teenager, Yemi, who is almost ashamed of his culture. Yemi only cares about one thing, impressing Armani and would do anything to get her. However, when his brother,  Ikudayis arrives from Nigeria his views about accepting his culture and not being proud of it, begins to change.The film was mainly targeted at the youth, and some teenagers were able to see themselves reflected on screen throughout the movie. Through the character of Yemi, the audience were able to see the norms of London, Peckham. This was shown through the way Yemi spoke and dressed. Furthermore, the contrast of this was shown through  Ikudayis, as he wasn't fluent in speaking English and the way he dressed was completely different ('socks and sandals'). Also, the way Armani reacted once she saw Ikudayis showed the division, as well as adding the comedy into the film.
Yemi goes through a series of events throughout the day that shows him not to be ashamed of his culture, and with the help of his brother, he is able to not only stand up to the local bullies, but stand up for his culture as well.
The film goes through the dominant stereotypes that were around at the time, and also portrays London as a diverse place.
Bola Agbaje's main purpose for writing/making this movie was to show how Nigerians were perceived during the time, and spoke about actually experiencing some of the things in the film in her actual life, as she mentioned during the Q&A.
Furthermore, Bola stated that she wanted to keep the movie as a comedy and didn't want a lot of violence in it, as she was able to explore more of the stereotypes in a different way. 
In my opinion, I quite enjoyed the film. It was comical and at the same time showed the diversion of cultures during the time.




"This house believes that films featuring ethnic minorities should only be produced by those who have the ethnic identity being represented."

During the debate at the BFI, I heard some good/valid points regarding the point for films only being produced by those who have the ethnic identity being represented. One point being that people of the own ethnic identity can present the struggles and experiences in a better manner. Yes, I do agree with this, however, I also believe that people of different ethnicity's can also presents struggles and experiences in the same way. I also agreed with the point of producers connecting in an emotional way which therefore creates more of a meaning towards the film. However, I believe if someone explores and studies a specific culture or tradition the same effect could still be created, regardless of coming from a different ethnic background. 
In my opinion, I strongly disagree with the motion that 'films featuring ethnic minorities should only be produced by those who have the ethnic identity being represented'. I believe that people should have the opportunity to produce films regardless of their ethnicity and shouldn't be restricted just because of their background. In some cases, people of different ethnicity's may get a better grasp of what is intending to be produced.
Additionally, if people/ producers aren't allowed to produce certain films due their ethnicity, this puts a restriction on how much/deep  people can explore into other ethnicity's, which therefore gives people a lack of knowledge and understanding of different cultures.
Moreover, I believe if people have the opportunity of being able to look into and explore different cultures, this could result in a stop in racial discrimination. 
In addition I think audiences would find it more appealing and interesting if a film were to be created by someone who is of a different ethnic background, as it would break the traditional norms and almost intrigue audiences to watch it. 
Whilst disagreeing with the point that films should only be produced by those of the same ethnical background, I do believe that if a producer is of the same ethnicity there would be more of a deeper connection that would be conveyed to the audience. However, saying this, I believe those of a different ethnicity can also do the same and almost give a better perception of the ideology. 
Moreover, if people are allowed to produce films and aren't of the same ethnicity, it allows one to gain a better understanding of a different culture and understand the struggles one may face in a particular ethnic background.   
In my opinion, I believe it should be allowed for people to be able to have the opportunity in being able to explore and learn about different cultures, and if they find it interesting or have a passion by doing this through creating movies, they should be able to and should not have the restriction just because they are of a different ethnicity.
Therefore, to conclude, I am against the motion, as I don't believe people should be restricted or told they can't create something based purely on their ethnicity. I believe everyone should have the opportunity to explore whatever they want, whether it be learning about another culture/ethnicity that is not theirs.