Leila Djansi’s anticipated new drama, ‘Ties That Bind’ will surely break some tears this festive season when it premieres in Ghana at the National Theatre on December 30. The movie is an emotionally captivating tale that takes viewers on a journey with three women from different walks of life bond together by a similar pain – the loss of a child.

In a destined meeting in a small village in Kroboland, the women journey together to redemption, love, life and forgiveness as they renovate a dilapidated clinic for the villagers. In the process they get to know each other’s fears, secrets as well as open up to new cultures through familiarization of new traditions, modernization and wanting to change certain old traditions.

After seeing the movie at press screening recently, I can boldly say it is the standout movie of the year – a compelling drama that would ask questions of our ever evolving society, and a beautiful story well told. Although the pace is slow in the beginning it builds up to an exciting and dramatic denouement. The acting is largely believable although most of the actors need to be more convincing with their Krobo. It was interesting watching Ama K Abebrese and Omotola Ekeinde trying to speak Krobo nonetheless. Actress, Ebbe Bassey’s emotional performance cannot be missed and I am sure it will spring a surprise flow of emotions within most viewers, and move some to tears.

My favourite scenes were between Kimberly Elise and Randall Batinkoff as anytime the two were together I completely forget that I am watching a movie made in Ghana. Kimberly Elise’s portrayal of an anthropology lecturer was absolutely believable and her lecture scene with her Ghanaian students felt like a real lecture in anthropology. My not so favourite scene was a grave scene portraying Omotala’s dead children over a period when the graves looked rather fresh.

Although ‘Ties That Bind’ ends largely on a happy note, the resolutions are open to several interpretations; representing new beginnings, a second chance, hope and belief in the power of love.http://www.ameyawdebrah.com/