User reviews

The Black Book

This Nigerian Crime Thriller sees its lead character, Paul Edima, on a revenge journey against those involved in the unlawful killing of his son.

As with many blockbusters that Nollywood has been churning out in recent years, The Black Book is star-studded, from the insignificant to the important characters. This helps the movie maintain a firm grip on the performances from the cast, but Ade Laoye and Bimbo Akintola (even with her limited screen time) deserve praise for their portrayals.

The Black Book starts with a simple plot, and the first quarter is backed by its emotional core. But as the movie unfolds it becomes complex, and the twists employed don't always help the story's progress. Some relationships are glossed over, and some characters are unimportant.

Even though the plot needs refinement, the cinematography is beautiful and elevated with its choice of locations and set designs.

The Black Book can best be summed as Nigeria's answer to the American John Wick.

6/10.

We clap for Editi Effiong👏🏾 The Black book was a breath of fresh air and a beautiful production!

Only wished the film had kept the same vigor that it started out with😔

DELICIOUS

-The cast was a nice fusion of older generation (RMD, Sam Dede, Alex Usifo) and the newer generation (Ade Laoye, Denola Grey, Olumide Oworu)

-Big shout out to the production crew! Impeccable the sound quality. Yinka Edward, as always, nailed the photography. And the set design adequately suited the rough and tough ambiance

-It was obvious the movie wanted to encourage the people to rise up and act against the framing and killing of innocent young men: 'Silence is the enemy'

BLAND

-The film started on a powerful note with a vigorous altercation between police and armed men, later the momentum increased more when deacon Paul's son was framed.

Then about the time Shaffy Bello was introduced, the pace started slowing down. The dialogues became plain and the scenario casual, without creating any suspense or excitement

-Alex Usifo, Sam Dede, and Shaffy Bello, though playing notorious roles, delivered a theatrical performance.

Plus, the level of violence/fighting choreography was low and the screenplay became predictable

-The absence of symbolism failed to intensify the meaning of the story or help the audience relate to deacon Paul and his pain...

LIKES 1. Visual Aesthetics 2. Locations and Set Design 3. Bimbo Akintola's Performance 4. Strong First Act

DISLIKES 1. Narrative Complexity and Lost Interest Unfortunately, I became more and more confused as the movie went on, which led to me losing interest in the third act. The intricate plot lacked clarity.

2. Budget and Production Quality: There are lingering questions regarding the film's reported $1 million budget.

3. Challenges with Action Scenes: The film's potential impact was marred by poorly shot and chaotic action scenes. Clear directing and cinematography should maintain clarity, even in chaotic scenes.

4. Inconsistent Performances: Olumide Oworu's performance felt out of place, and the foreign father-son dynamic left me disconnected from the film.

5. Heavy American Influence: Those expecting a more authentic Nigerian narrative may find "The Black Book" distracting due to its overly Americanized tone.

6. Overambitious Social Commentary: Although the film's intention to provide social commentary is admirable, it becomes bloated.

7. Plot Twist and Unnecessary Elements: The movie's reliance on excessive explanations, visual effects and the plot twist involving Vickie and Mr. Edima made it feel superfluous.

8. Unexplored Relationships:

9. Unnecessary Characters

SUMMARY: To summarize, "The Black Book" fails to meet expectations despite its attractive visuals and capable performances. The movie's convoluted plot and heavy reliance on American cinema prevent it from exploring the intricate relationships and societal themes that could have made it truly compelling. If you're looking for a clear and coherent storyline, "The Black Book" may leave you feeling confused and disappointed.

This movie was beautifully executed, and I appreciate its relevance to some of the issues we face in Nigeria today, such as government cover-ups involving innocent lives. While the plot bears resemblance to Liam Neeson's "Cold Pursuit," I must commend the director for their remarkable work. Films like this have the potential to engage Nigerians more in Nollywood.

However, there are a few aspects I'd like to address: 1. The dialogues: The accents sometimes felt forced, attempting to mimic Hollywood, which didn't work well.

2. It would be better if the characters embraced their Nigerian identity more.

3. Some dialogues were cringe-worthy and led to second-hand embarrassment.

4. While there were talented actors, some of the cast members came across as inexperienced.

5. Certain relationships in the movie lacked a solid foundation or exploration.

In summary, I enjoyed the film and its message but believe that Nigerian movies should avoid emulating Hollywood excessively. I'd rate this movie 7/10.

The Black Book is one of those films with wasted potential, it has an engaging plot that suffers from an absurd number of holes. Different stories seem to enter the main story of The Black Book at inopportune moments, in the end, more confusing than embellishing the plot. I even researched if this movie was based on a book, but I didn't find any substantial information; at least it would explain the various arches, creating an architecture as clumsy as Cubism.

The plot follows Paul Edima, a former hitman for the Nigerian government, who decides to return to his roots after his son is framed to cover up a corruption scheme. Simple but effective, however, marred by a secondary plot about such a black book, a plot that appears out of nowhere in the second half of Act 2.

When Act 3 begins, you're so confused that you end up hanging on until the end in hopes of finding some sense, but you don't. In the end, The Black Book fails to put together the pieces of the complex puzzle it has created.

This movie isn't just mistakes. The theme, given the awesome setting, is relevant and appreciable. The performances of Richard Mofe-Damijo and Ade Laoye are commendable. Too bad these pros don't save The Black Book from falling into the pile of movies with good premise but poor execution.

It is quite appealing that this movie is a showcase of reality as something similar to this movie has in recent times,occurred in Nigeria. From police harassment, unlawful killing, injustice to corruption. Kudos to the director and the actors because they know their onion well and fully delivered. I had an emotional breakdown when RMD wasn't allowed to carry his son to bury framing him father of a criminal to say that this movie is heartbreaking. This movie came with a lot of suspense and cutting of scenes which left me wondering what happened in the background and I really wished they showed us more without withholding the action part. Nollywood is yet to reach its peak, getting better and better and with that the shortcomings in the movie are not an issue for me as the main focus of the movie was established.

I knew about Bollywood, Indian cinema where there's always a bit of choreographed dancing and singing, but never heard of Nollywood, Nigerian cinema. So this was a first for me, and most probably a last if they all are going to be of this quality. The story could have been something but it was just badly written. The acting was so-so. Some actors were okay, others were below average. Bad articulation from some wannabe actors. I'm sorry but extras also have to be good otherwise the quality of a movie goes down. The cinematography was just okay, nothing mesmerizing here. At the moment no Nollywood for me anymore.

This is the first time I have ever watched in Nigerian movie but I have felt immense joy and thrill throughout this movie. Nigerians are hatred cross the world for their hacking cheating what not! But god bless Nigeria. They have plenty of talent the world has ever seen... I would like to dedicate this to all the movie lovers across the world. You will need to watch this Epic tale of a movie. You will need you will need to understand how a country like Nigeria can produce a movie like that. And you will be wondering how creativity can overcome economic in capabilities and political instabilities.. Love Nigeria from India.

Bravo Nigeria for an incredible film. The plot , the actors, the scenario and also the soundtrack. Just a top notch film . I really like the lead actor who played Paul and also the supporting cast. The way it was edited and continuity was excellent. The pace was perfect . Also there are some twist and turns also in the plot line . So why a ten? It kept my interest the entire film and since it's in Nigeria there is an element of curiosity. I mean it starts with a man holding a gun to who later you find out is very important to the plot line. Then almost immediately after you see a kidnapping and shootout right in the middle of the day in traffic in Lagos, Nigerias capital city. No spoilers but that's the start . So you want to watch a great, film with a really interesting plot, enjoy. This will be in my top ten of the year.

I think the 4.9/10 rating is a deliberate attempt to minimize the great achievement and multifacetedness of this movie. When it comes to African Diasporic cinema, whatever is done in its authenticity to remain African is never enough. However, when we appease the Western gaze through movies about Slavery or the LGBTQ+ community, our cinema is a masterpiece.

Cinematically, the film has great execution, direction, and imagery that is unprecedented in comparison with other Nollywood films. The cast was perfectly selected in my opinion with all actors/actresses effectively playing their characters. I love the collaboration with women to achieve the demise of corruption, a bit that is often if not always overlooked and or exaggerated for dramatic purposes. I also appreciated all the movie was able to encompass. It drew a keen interest and understanding of Nigeria beyond what two-dimensional films often portray. However, the difficulty in seamlessly capturing this richness made the film harder to comprehend.

The various storylines, the length of the firm, and alignment with the film's title made it really difficult to remain engaged with this project. Though this allowed for unpredictability which negated the disengagement, it struggled to flow with the plot and development of the story. Nonetheless, I believe this is a bigger and more present issue with Netflix film productions than this actual film.

I highly recommend watching! It is an emotional rollercoaster packed with thrills. You will cry, jump, and shout. Honestly, there is no better movie-watching experience than that.

Lastly, big congratulations and kudos to the entire team behind this project. I can speak for most Nigerians by saying THANK YOU for restoring our faith in quality Nollywood films. I hope great things come from this endeavor.

This film hits too close to home. It's a marriage of Nigeria's past and the troubling present young people face. I especially loved the music storytelling, the cultural nuances and all the quiet parts said out loud.

The acting is experimental in a way that I could connect with 90% of the characters but the other 10% left me wondering. Could it be that a world exists that is simultaneously similar to mine as it is different from mine?

The pacing was great, action sequence already kept me on my toes 20 minutes in.

The cinematography, lighting, costume and set design were both historically accurate and dynamically creative. It was a symphony of pictures.

"The Black Book" pleasantly surprised me with its engaging storyline and standout performances. Going into it, I anticipated a potentially cheesy Nigerian film, but what I experienced was far from it. This movie has left me eagerly awaiting more from the talented cast.

One of the standout elements of "The Black Book" is its gripping narrative. The plot unfolds perfectly with suspense, emotion, and unexpected twists. The story grabs your attention from the very beginning and keeps you hooked until the credits roll. The pacing is expertly managed, ensuring that no scene feels rushed or drawn out, allowing the viewer to fully immerse themselves in the unfolding events.

What truly elevates this film, however, are the performances of the actors. Each member of the cast delivers a commendable portrayal, breathing life into their respective characters. Their chemistry on screen is palpable, adding depth and authenticity to the relationships depicted. It's refreshing to see such a cohesive ensemble, and it leaves me eager to see more of their work in the future.

The production quality of "The Black Book" is also worth noting. The cinematography is visually stunning, capturing the essence of the Nigerian setting in all its beauty and complexity. The attention to detail in the set design and costumes further immerses the audience in the world of the story, creating a rich and believable backdrop for the characters' journeys.

In addition to its technical prowess, the film addresses relevant themes with nuance and sensitivity. It delves into universal emotions and experiences, making it relatable on a global scale. The cultural elements are woven seamlessly into the narrative, providing a window into Nigerian society while maintaining a universally resonant message.

While "The Black Book" may not be a blockbuster in the traditional sense, it stands out for its heartwarming storytelling and compelling performances. It challenges preconceived notions about Nigerian cinema and showcases the immense talent within the industry. I eagerly anticipate more offerings from this talented group of actors and filmmakers, as they have proven their ability to deliver a cinematic experience that transcends borders.

In conclusion, "The Black Book" is a hidden gem that deserves recognition on the international stage. It combines a well-crafted narrative, stellar performances, and impressive production quality to create a film that leaves a lasting impression. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a meaningful and engaging cinematic experience.

This film captures the human experience for so many people and the reality is that it is not limited to developing countries like Nigeria. The truth is humanity's thirst for power is an instinct that thrives where institutional mechanisms are not strong enough to combat it. The producer went all put to portray this horrible instinct and how it corrupts everything. Its jeopardy however being its all consuming nature which eventually consumes the individual as well. The delivery and depth from all the actors was excellent albeit Nollywood still has a bit to learn on executing hollywood level action scenes.

The Black Book directed by Editi Effiong is an action film about a deacon who taps back into his sinful ways to avenge his son's death, absolve him, and give him a proper burial. Paul Edima, deacon and reformed assassin, is played by Richard Mofe-Damijo affectionately known as RMD. At the movie's opening, Edima is a loving father and pillar of his remote community while bearing witness and doing good deeds in the name of his Christian faith. The transformation of Edima from humble Christian to determined marksman without losing his sense of morality was a fine line to walk but pulled off seemingly effortlessly by RMD. His beach scene alone made me want to fly to Lagos, suit up, and join the cause. RMD emoted the stages of grief with surgical precision. When his character finally reached acceptance of the loss and determination to avenge, the movie hit its stride. The supporting cast was filled with some of the writer's Nollywood favorites including: Shaffy Bello, Femi Branch, Iretiola Doyle, Bimbo Manuel, Bimbo Akintola, and the one and only Taiwo Ajai-Lycett. The unexpected breakout actress was Ade Laoye who played Vic, the unrelenting journalist who was researching the murder of Edima's son when her path and Edima's crossed. Vic's scene in the church when she found out who was responsible for her mother's death brought tears to the writer's eyes. This otherwise strong and determined character broke emotionally in a way that was palpable. Ade's Vic evolved with the storyline as though her scenes were shot in sequential order or as though Ade kept the entire story in mind when she shot each scene. Brilliant performance. Also, shout out to the blonde assassin played by Denola Grey. I was expecting big things from him but he was murdered before his third costume change. Pity. Perhaps more of him and less dozens of people holding guns in the air and chasing each other would have fared better.

Though the premise of the story was believable, it sometimes got muddled with all the shootouts. It became difficult at times to figure out who was fighting whom and why or how Nigeria is still a functioning nation with so many warring factions in broad daylight. To be fair, there's a Hollywood blockbuster buster movie director who is notorious for overdoing fight scenes and explosions by having too much going on at once and giving the viewer sensory overload, but his movies are still some of my favorites. So there's that. Overall, it was a really good movie with a cast of heavyweights lead by RMD, beautiful cinematography, and plausible premise. Just use the gang fighting and gun showboating times for a snack break because they don't seem necessary to the story.

Infact this is the best Nigeria movie of 2023, from the beginning to the end I enjoy this movie. To tell you more if the movie is not interested I won't watch it to 12am midnight, I finished watching the movie and I was like can they turn this to be seasonal movie?

The character, the scene, location and costume all of it match the movie. The movie brings back all the old Nollywood actors/actress a lot of talent, a lot of passion and like the seriousness of all the characters. This movie tell the real story of the beginning of Nigeria problem how corrupt leaders want everything for their selfish interest and end up training monster in the nation. Nigeria will be great again.

I will recommend this movie to any movie lover l.

Not your typical Nollywood movie.

Edima reminded me of The Equalizer naija version.

Where do i start, This movie was a joy to watch, wasn't expecting this, thought it would be another, just something to watch type of movie. But no, oh no, this movie Kept me gripped and focused from start to finish.

The cinematography was sharp,really felt like i was in Lagos, the graphics were so sharp and the acting was really great, no fake wanna be accents. Truly exquisite.

Look forward to seeing more of these kind of movies. Hopefully sooner rather than later.

Bravo and well done to the team. Thoroughly enjoyed this.👏🏾👍🏾😊 Daddi Kuul.

It was suspenseful and kept me on the edge the whole time. I especially enjoyed the fact that this is a great Nigerian film. The acting was solid and not corny. It was edited well with the music and all the transitions. It also was a great look at what's happening in modern African gangster culture. Anyone could watch this film and feel the intensity of the storyline. We need more films from Africa to display as a force in the international film industry.

Netflix is going a great job of showcasing films from versions genres and cultures. The black book is a great example of great film making!!

I found this movie to be amazing. The story, the actors, the thrill. For an African movie with such a low budget the director and crew did an amazing job. Im left very impressed by the story and didn't expect it to be that good.

I truly recommend this film to anyone who enjoys foreign movies nonetheless it is in English which I found to be pretty fantastic.

The story is pretty fascinating and it touches on your emotions since it begins with some events which set the tone for the movie, some of these events are sad in a way but they are what ignites the rest of the movie to be really good.

Hope you enjoy this film.

This film is as good or better than most American feature films that come out in movie theaters. I have not seen a movie this well executed in a while, the director is amazing, the cast all acted superbly and the score is engaging. Very well layered story and there aren't a lot of holes in it considering that there are so many intricacies.

The protagonist flows through his role like the Greats in action dramas and the young lady playing the journalist role does it with the classic heroine/damsel in distress dichotomy with is the perfect chemistry for a film like this. The action is spread out and each scene fits in perfect timing.

🏆film deserves critical acclaim.

Nollywood appropriates the screenplay canvas of the retired ex-killer or mercenary who must return for revenge (e.g. John Wick and Equalizer, both from 2014, for recent franchises, but there are many other films). Here it's Richard Mofe-Damijo, very good, all pent-up rage, who is a deacon, but whose son is mistreated, to say the least, by the local police. Corrupted police, as the film seems to suggest to many. Police, media, a retired mercenary, a journalist looking for a sensational story, and women - these are the film's ingredients. Because women play an important role in the film: journalists, police commissioners, soldiers. It's the women who will have the greatest impact on our hero as he seeks to avenge his son.

The film works thanks to its setting - Nigeria, the city of Lagos - its rich plot, its well-articulated screenplay and, of course, Richard Mofe-Damijo's charisma, all of which keep viewers curious about what's to come next (we wait for the sequel). A film that reinvigorates the genre.