With Difficulty Comes Ease

This powerful tale of faith, love, family and betrayal is better than I expected and I had high expectations based on the trailer. The potrayal of religious converts/reverts is one that we do not see often on screen. Interestingly the fallout of conversion from Christianity to islam is not the centerpiece of this story. It's a story of a woman who has lost her husband and now has to pick up the pieces to avoid financial ruin. The movie could have been called iddah, as the whole movie takes place during this period in the life of Ene/Zainab the main protagonist, where she mourns her dead husband. There is a love story there but it is not the main story, yet the love story is very well done as we find two characters whose faith journeys are similar but whose paths were slightly different. The family dynamics and seamless use of Hausa while celebrating the ethnic and religious diversity of Nigeria was very tender and intentional. This might be where Ummi Baba Ahmed will get the acting accolades she deserves. Her understated relatable portrayal of Hajiya, a mother in mourning and an abrasive mother in law is a masterclass in immersive acting. A good watch, the tender moment where zainab speaks hausa to her mother in law and breaks her, will bring a few tears. Loved it.

The film was a breath of fresh air and a powerful tale that needed to be told! Korede Azeez really stepped up her game, and this movie stands above her previous works👏

DELICIOUS

-There's nothing better than an original script, especially when Nollywood tends to recycle the same stories. Seeing a widow burdened by financial woes and struggling to connect in a different environment was gripping from start to finish

-Solid performance: Uzoamaka Aniunoh (playing Zainab) understood her assignment and delivered! Her body language and line delivery were in unison; she poured out her intense hardship.

Caleb Richards (playing Rayyan) was adequately elegant and diplomatic😍

-The film made great use of "less is more" with few dialogues in order to give us the chance to appreciate the unspoken emotions

-Greatly appreciate that the screenplay dived into the psychology of the characters. We were able to understand how Zainab forged her identity and other characters' personalities

BLAND

-Sound engineering was regrettably unrefined, lots of background noise😣

-The lack of a parallel story made the film a bit monotonous with Zainab appearing in every scene

Overall, kudos to Korede Azeez for improving her craft!

With Difficulty Comes Ease is an inspiring Nollywood movie about overcoming challenges and never giving up. The film tells the story of a character who faces many struggles but keeps pushing forward. Directed with a keen eye for emotional depth, the film weaves a powerful narrative about struggle, perseverance, and ultimate triumph.

The storytelling is gripping, with strong performances from the cast that bring raw emotions to life. The cinematography is impressive, capturing both the harsh realities of hardship and the warmth of hope. The story is well-written, with natural dialogue that keeps you engaged. The film's limited communication was a brilliant example of "less talk is more" principle, allowing viewers to fully experience the characters' unspoken feelings. What makes this film truly stand out is its relatable message. Beyond religion, it will resonate with viewers, reminding us that no matter how difficult life gets, things can get better. It's a film that leaves you feeling motivated and hopeful.

Overall, With Difficulty Comes Ease is a must-watch for lovers of inspiring Nollywood dramas. It's a heartfelt film that leaves you reflecting on the power of endurance and faith, making it a truly rewarding experience.