Madu

About Madu

"Madu" is a captivating and emotional drama released in 2024, rated TV-PG. Based on the inspiring journey of 12-year-old Anthony Madu, the movie paints a vivid picture of how a young boy from Lagos manages to achieve his wildest dreams. Anthony begins his journey practicing ballet barefoot on the streets and is catapulted to performing on the prestigious stage of Elmhurst Ballet School in England. Despite his unfamiliar surroundings and immense challenges, Anthony stays driven in his search for his sense of identity and belonging.

Making / Production

"Madu" is a brilliant exploration of diverse themes such as courage, cultural identity, and personal growth against the backdrop of a sweeping journey from Lagos to England. The production team put great effort into capturing the authenticity of Anthony's childhood in Lagos, and the contrast his new life in England offers. The school scenes were filmed on location at the Elmhurst Ballet School - a location filled with history and prestige.

Actors

• Anthony Madu as himself - His powerful performance brings an irreplaceable authenticity to the story, Anthony has successfully showcased his extraordinary journey through his acting and ballet talent.
• Annette Bening as Principal Dancer - She mentors Anthony through the rigors of ballet study, offering a compelling and inspiring portrayal of an artist committed to nurturing talent.
• Chiwetel Ejiofor as Anthony's father - Ejiofor excellently portrays the intricate character, understanding, and ultimately supportive father enduring cultural and societal norms.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The movie is based on the real-life story of Anthony Madu, a Nigerian boy who garnered international recognition for his talent in ballet.
• "Madu" means "human" or "people" in Igbo, referring to both Anthony's origins and his journey of identity exploration.
• Some street scenes in the movie were actually shot in Lagos, Nigeria, bringing a sense of authenticity to the film.

Music, Soundtrack

• The powerful soundtrack by Hans Zimmer flawlessly accentuates the emotional journey Anthony embarks on, using a blend of contemporary and traditional West African music.
• The classical ballet music used in the film is taken from famous ballets such as Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, further deepening the context for Anthony's training and performances.

Quotes

• "The stage is not just a place, it's a feeling." - Anthony Madu
• "Hardships can create the most wonderful dancer in the world." - Principal Dancer
• "Ballet, it's not just dance. It's passion. It's love. It's about who you are." - Anthony Madu