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Stream It Or Skip It: ‘The Black Book’ on Netflix, A Revenge Thriller from the Streets of Nigeria

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You know Hollywood, you’ve at least heard of Bollywood, but do you know … Nollywood? That’s Nigeria’s film industry, which is booming enough to give its cinema a catchy name with some cultural caché. Netflix is even getting in on the action with The Black Book, now streaming on their platform.

THE BLACK BOOK: STREAM IT OR SKIP IT?

The Gist: Corruption is running rampant in contemporary Nigeria within the world of The Black Book, so much so that the police can just openly kill a young man on a beach and expect no consequences for it. But they don’t know what they’ve gotten themselves into this time because bereaved father Paul Edima (Richard Mofe-Damijo) is far more than just the pacifistic deacon that he appears. Paul has a checkered past in the country’s military that he’s tried to bury even in his own mind, but the soldier in him re-emerges to take justice into his own hands. Enmeshing himself once more in the web of violence and corruption is not something he takes on alone, however. His journey nack into the underworld that he once inhabited requires engaging with some old allies as well as a surprising new one: a crusading journalist intent on using the press to expose the country’s bad actors.

What Movies Will It Remind You Of?: The Nigerian hybrid of Taken and Spotlight you didn’t know you needed.

Performance Worth Watching: The leads fighting for justice in their own way are good, but it’s Shaffy Bello as Big Daddy who proves the real MVP of The Black Book. She (yes, you read that pronoun right) is a force of nature in her capacity as a high-powered enforcer.

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THE BLACK BOOK NETFLIX STREAMING
Photo Netflix

Memorable Dialogue: “The past must die to truly serve the future.” A line so nice they say it twice, once at the beginning without context and again at the end when it means something very different.

Sex and Skin: The Black Book stays focused on the action in the streets, not between the sheets.

Our Take: There’s plenty to admire in co-writer/director Editi Effiong’s dramatic thriller, but there’s little that really inspires a viewer to really lean forward in their seats. It’s always pitched between two very different ways a movie can be without fully committing to either. For example, it’s partially a character study of Paul’s final reckoning with the past, but it’s also somewhat allegorical for the Nigerian nation on the whole. Technically sound filmmaking can only go so far within a work that doesn’t really have a strong sense of what it wants to be. It can’t help but be a bit deflating to watch the big final scenes and know that they could have been a real wallop with a full film’s worth of momentum behind them.

Our Call: SKIP IT. The Black Book is not nearly bloody nor brooding enough. There are interesting components in this Nigerian thriller, but without a stronger sense of cohesion between plot and style, it feels instantly forgettable.

Marshall Shaffer is a New York-based freelance film journalist. In addition to Decider, his work has also appeared on Slashfilm, Slant, The Playlist and many other outlets. Some day soon, everyone will realize how right he is about Spring Breakers.

Source: decider.com

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Entertainment

Love in Every Word: A Heartwarming Nollywood Rom-Com with Cultural Depth

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Love in Every Word” is a charming Nigerian romantic comedy directed by Stanley Obi, featuring compelling performances from Bam Bam Olawunmi Adenibuyan and Uzor Arukwe. This review delves into the film’s exploration of love, family complexities, and the vibrant portrayal of Igbo culture in a modern Lagos setting

Movie Title: Love in every word

Director: Stanley Obi

Release Date: 7th March 2025

Casts: Bam Bam Olawunmi Adenibuyan, Uzor Arukwe, Amanda Iriekpen, Thelma Chukwunwen, Susan Jimah, Osereme Inegbenebor, DanielRocky Obiora.

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Genre: Romantic Comedy (Rom-Com)

“Chioma, a beautiful and classy working-class woman, finds her romantic relationships affected by a strained connection with her father. However, she encounters a man who attracts her, yet embodies everything she found challenging in her father.”

Also read:Brotherhood: Nigerian prisons, the postgraduate school of criminality (Review)

PLOT

  • Bam Bam Adenibuyan as Chioma: A vibrant, beautiful, and diligent young woman residing in Lagos. She grapples with demanding superiors and the frustration of seemingly financially supporting her romantic partners. Her steadfast friends, Ify and Ivie, are her unwavering support system. Haunted by ‘father issues’, Chioma subconsciously gravitates towards men who are financially dependent, despite her discontent. During a trip back to her hometown for a family wedding, she meets someone different. Even her mother is determined this connection will flourish. However, Chioma must navigate the unique demands this relationship brings.
  • Uzor Arukwe as Chief Obiora: A highly confident and culturally proud, affluent man – a true ‘Odogwu Paranran’ in every sense. Although he reminds Chioma of her father, he remains resolute in his desire to marry her, even if it means travelling to Lagos to claim his ‘Achalugo’ (wife).
  • Thelma Chukwunwen as Chioma’s Mother: She is unwavering in her efforts to persuade her daughter to marry Chief Obiora.
  • Susan Jimah as Chioma’s Boss: An exploitative and unappreciative employer, oblivious to Chioma’s dedication.
  • DanielRocky Obiora: The final disappointing experience Chioma endured with financially reliant men.
  • Osereme Inegbenebor as Ify: Chioma’s lifelong friend and legal counsel. She possesses a deep understanding of Chioma’s pattern in choosing romantic partners.
  • Amanda Iriekpen as Ivie: Chioma’s other loyal friend who provides consistent support.

ANALYSIS

General Performance of the Actors:

Also read:2022 Review (5): Most talked about movies and movies stars of the year

  • Bambam Adenibuyan, with her customary ease, breathed life into the character of a stylish working woman in Lagos navigating a complicated love life. She effectively conveyed the necessary femininity and charm the narrative required.
  • Uzor Arukwe delivered a beautiful portrayal of Igbo culture, embodying a delightful blend of boldness and persistence often associated with Igbo men. His character’s wealth also played a significant role.
  • Thelma Chukwunwen authentically captured maternal concern, embodying the typical traits of an African mother.
  • Susan Jimah convincingly portrayed the behaviour and demeanour of an abusive boss.
  • DanielRocky Obiora, despite limited screen time, effectively embodied the role of an irresponsible boyfriend and man.
  • Osereme Inegbenebor showcased her talent as a promising actress. Her confident and skilled portrayal of a supportive friend who is also a lawyer was spot on.
  • Amanda Iriekpen delivered a simple yet effective performance, maintaining a subtle presence.

Cinematography and Sound Design:

The cinematography was indeed impeccable, authentically showcasing Igbo culture through attire and setting.

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The sound design was also excellent, encompassing the soundtrack, dialogue, and ambient sounds. It effectively established a sense of place and atmosphere, enhancing the viewers’ connection with the story.

Costume: It is important to highlight the well-curated traditional attire and the sophisticated corporate wear worn by Chioma, both crucial in defining her character and role.

Budget: Filmed across two primary locations – the opulent house and vehicles representing Obiora’s wealth – the film’s budget was clearly evident in the production value.

Resolution: Chioma and Obiora ultimately confront their true feelings after Chioma takes a courageous step to overcome her anxieties.

A perfect blend of rich culture, comedy, romance, and career dynamics.

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Reviews

Homecoming Review: A Relatable Story with Valuable Life Lessons

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“The Homecoming” is a compelling Nigerian film blending romance and drama, starring Bimbo Ademoye and Timini Egbuson. This review highlights its relatable themes, strong performances, and valuable life lessons

Movie Title: The Homecoming
Director: Great-Valentine Edochie
Release Date: 24th December 2024
Starring: Bimbo Ademoye, Timini Egbuson, Bisola Aiyeola
Genre: Romance, Drama

Dieko, a driven young woman juggling the demands of work and family, strives to achieve her aspirations while navigating various life challenges.

Also read: Adire Review: There are loose ends…

PLOT

Dieko (played by Bimbo Ademoye): In this film, she embodies an orphaned character who works tirelessly to become an accountant while caring for her visually impaired grandfather. She serves as the protagonist of the story.

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Uduak (played by Bisola Aiyeola): The stern CEO of Eazzy Group, a fashion enterprise. She functions as both an antagonist and a catalyst for Dieko’s personal development.

Luther (played by Timini Egbuson): He introduces emotional equilibrium to this romantic narrative, developing a profound and initially unconscious connection with Dieko.

ANALYSIS

General Performance of the Actors:

Bimbo Ademoye truly embodies her character as a determined young woman striving to make ends meet. She effectively portrays both her desperation and her resilience as a diligent worker.

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Bisola Aiyeola, in her role as the ‘strict boss’, also delivered a compelling performance. She accurately depicted the characteristics of an unapproachable and unsympathetic superior.

Timini Egbuson, known for his ‘lover boy’ roles, was once again convincing in this film. His portrayal of Luther provided a sense of ease for Dieko in her professional relationship with his sister, Uduak.

Cinematography and Sound Design:

The lighting and camera angles were impeccably executed. The overall sound experience was also excellent, featuring appropriate music for specific scenes from talented songwriters Progress and Chidii.

Costume Design: The costumes were thoughtfully and meticulously selected. A significant and noteworthy transition is seen in Dieko’s attire, evolving from that of a ‘struggling job seeker’ to that of a personal assistant to Uduak, the CEO of Eazzy Group. Each stage of her journey was accurately represented through her clothing. Uduak, as a high-profile fashion figure, also maintained consistently stylish looks throughout the movie.

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Budget: This was clearly not a low-budget production, evident in the expenditure on costumes, travel, and the engagement of renowned actors. A considerable amount of investment was dedicated to the making of this film.

Also read: Reviews from Jagun Jagun [Movie Review]

Resolution: Dieko ultimately achieves her independence and decides to build the life she desires, free from her demanding boss, Uduak. Her connection with Luther deepens, nurturing the spark between them.

A highly recommended watch! This film offers a compelling blend of drama and romance, with relatable scenarios and valuable life lessons to take away.

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Reviews

Adire Review: There are loose ends…

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Tunde is a psychopath, who is unconsciously infatuated with the town preacher’s wife…

Sade is the holier-than-thou mummy GO’s style. Yet the most intelligent of them all…

Did you know that a storey building was burnt down for the sake of a movie about a prostitute?

If you think I’m lying? Then watch the movie here.

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