Breath of Life
This movie details the story of Timi, an exceptionally brilliant man and young clergyman. Other than being able to hold his breath for as long as he wishes, he also graduated top of his class at Cambridge and was the highest honoured cadet in his entry class. Timi moves to Nigeria in 1960 with his wife and daughter and starts a local church. Everything is rosy until a gang sets his wife and daughter ablaze in retaliation for bearing witness against them. Timi tracks those responsible and kills them off before attempting to kill himself but death doesn't come no matter how hard he tries.
Over three decades later, he's now a faithless recluse living in the confines of his mansion. His butler dies and his replacement comes in faith-filled Elijah. Slowly and surely Elijah begins to crumble the walls Timi has set around him, and their employer-to-employee relationship transforms into a familial camaraderie.
The transition from a faithless recluse to a man finding solace through an unexpected friendship with Elijah, his new butler, is delicately crafted.
The emotional depth of the storyline is accentuated by the brilliant performances of the cast. Wale Ojo, Chimezie Imo, and Genoveva Umeh breathe life into their characters, creating a seamless and genuine portrayal.
The cinematography of "Breath of Life" stands out as a visual feast, capturing the essence of each moment with brilliance. The film's exploration of various genres adds layers to the narrative, although the blend isn't always flawless. Despite this, the final product deserves applause for its deviation from the typical style of Nollywood movies. Refreshingly unique, the movie successfully avoids becoming overly preachy despite its faith-based theme.
In essence, "Breath of Life" offers a refreshing departure from conventional storytelling, delivering a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience that transcends the boundaries of its genre.
8-8.5/10.
