Is Editi Effiong’s The Black Book Worth The Million Dollar Budget?

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Nollywood is back with another banger, and we are loving every minute. The Black Book, a Nigerian action thriller directed by Editi Effiong, has become a global sensation on Netflix, reaching the number one spot in over 12 countries. The film follows Paul Edima (Richard Mofe-Damijo), a retired assassin who is forced to seek revenge when his son Damilola Edima (Olumide Oworu) is murdered by corrupt police. Paul must use his skills to track down and kill his son’s killers, while also evading the police and other high-ranking government officials who are determined to bring him down.

The Black Book is a gripping and suspenseful thriller, with plenty of action sequences to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. This exciting John Wick-esque type movie was directed by Editi Effiong, and written by Effiong and Naz Onuzo. The film has a rich, A-list-studded cast with stars such as Richard Mofe-Damijo, Sam Dede, Ireti Doyle, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, Shaffy Bello, and Alex Usifo. There were also fantastic performances given by Ade Laoye, Denola Grey, Kelechi Udegbe and rapper Ikechukwu Onunaku. The film is well-acted, well-directed, and well-written. The action sequences are exciting, and the story is suspenseful. 

What makes this movie truly worthwhile though, is the subtle but overt themes of corruption, justice, and the abuse of power. The Black Book is a commentary on the state of Nigeria, a country plagued by corruption and injustice. Viewers can easily relate to many of the experiences depicted in the movie, like Damilola’s tragic run-in with the SAKS police because of his hairstyle, as well as the incompetence and corruption within the Nigerian police system. 

Paul Edima represents the ordinary Nigerian citizen who is often powerless against the corrupt system. The film shows how even a good man can be forced to do bad things when he is pushed to the limit. Paul is initially reluctant to seek revenge for his son’s murder, as he knows that it will lead him down a dark path. However, he is ultimately forced to take action when the police fail to bring the killers to justice, and pin a terrible crime on his son.

The character of Paul Edima is easily one of the things that makes The Black Book so special. He is such a complex and morally ambiguous character – he is a former assassin, but he is also a loving father, man of God, and a man of principle. When his son is murdered, he is forced to confront his past and decide whether or not he is willing to cross the line in order to get justice. Richard Mofe-Damijo gives a masterful performance as Paul, and he is able to convey the protagonist’s strength, vulnerability, and complexity with equal skill. The supporting cast is also excellent, with notable performances from Sam Dede as the villainous Angel and Ireti Doyle as the upright police commissioner who tries to find the truth.

The Black Book is a well-made and entertaining film that is sure to appeal to a wide audience. With an impressive budget of $1 million, making it one of the most expensive Nollywood films ever made, it doesn’t disappoint. The film was funded by a combination of private investors and government grants, and director and founder of Anakle Films, Editi Effiong does a great job of creating a suspenseful and atmospheric film. He is a passionate storyteller who is obviously committed to making films that reflect the Nigerian experience, and he is also a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the film industry. 

Effiong also does a good job of exploring the film’s themes in a subtle and nuanced way. It is a film about the importance of standing up for what is right, even when you have to do what is considered wrong. It is a film about the power of love and family. And it is a film that reminds us that sometimes, even against our best efforts, there are simply some things that are beyond our control, or power.

The Black Book is a must-see film for fans of action thrillers and socially conscious movies. It is a film that will stay with you long after you have watched it. It will make you think deeply about the world we live in and the choices that we make. I personally rate it a ten out of ten, not because it didn’t have any goofy or exaggerated scenes, but because every aspect of this movie was so well done. If you are looking for a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, then I highly recommend The Black Book. You will not be disappointed.

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