LIONHEART

                              Lionheart: And Netflix Ventures into Nigerian Markets...

Running a company can be challenging, especially if you are a female in a male-dominated industry. Looking to prove her worth, Adaeze steps up to the challenge when her father, Chief Ernest Obiagu is forced to take a step back due to health issues. Ironically, he appoints his crude and eccentric brother, Godswill, instead to run the company with his young daughter. Complications arise when they discover that the family business is in dire financial straits and both Adaeze and Godswill try to save the company in their own way to crazy and often hilarious results.

This is one hell of a directorial debut from Genevieve Nnaji. The direction, scripting, screenplay and costuming teams did amazing work together. The producers and the editors made this a cinema worth piece of effort. The decision to venture into uncharted territory was very brave of Genevieve, (who served as both director and writer), and in the long run seemed like the perfect mix that Netflix wanted to convince it to venture into Nigeria.
   Why is this movie so worth the watch? It's not in its astonishing screenplay, or in its otherwise superb casting, everything good in this movie lies at the feet of the concept. The plot and the story of the movie even though quite basic and simple, marked a departure from stereotypes. Even though we all know that Nigerians are quite hooked unto a certain type of movie, the writer ensured that the over dependence on a certain genre was dislodged by a piece of brilliance. 

  The conflict from the story and plot theme element was simple at the very best. It didn't offer up any plot twists, neither did it create too many moments of suspense and intrigue. What it did however do was to create a conflict that for all intents and purposes was a deviation from the norm. It was the type of conflict that even though quite simple and direct, was capable of keeping viewers interested and focused on the way out of a somewhat precarious situation.
  A quick look at the cast shows quite clearly the class, the history and the unique blend of all classes of actors. It could not have been any better. With Pete Edochie, Onyeka Onwenu, Kanayo O Kanayo, Nkem Owoh, Ngozi Ezeonu, the movie boasted of unique, hugely talented veterans in the industry, while Genevieve and Kalu Ikeagwu, Sani Mu'azu, and Jemimah Osunde represented adequately the experience non veterans. You couldn't have asked for a better blend, and they adequately delivered in aces.
Our principal points of reference definitely had to be the Costuming( and Make-up) teams who have been able to bring our characters to life without much over elaboration and without excessive usage of colour. This represents the true Nigerian lifestyle.  And also as part of the principal positives, we must applaud the scripting team. They totally made the movie as enjoyable as can be, with amazing, elegant and simple but brilliant dialogues.
   This is a movie that didn't struggle for an identity. It is one that had a set play, and it executed it without much ado about nothing. The switch between language however was not as smooth as we would have loved, but it certainly did cement the identity of the movie and we can't help but loud it's commitment to its set play. It's attention to the most minute of details also helped it's cause... the little attention paid to details paid off, with enough room left to allow a sequel. This is amazing work.

We are hardly impressed with Nollywood productions, but this certainly does drive the point home that the Nigerian Movie industry certainly has talented individuals who can help move the industry into the future, and being the powerhouse it's meant to be. The ability to do something 'different' ensured that this will linger in the memories of viewers, fans and marketers for a long time.
  Starring: Genevieve Nnaji, Pete Edochie, Onyeka Onwenu, Kanayo O Kanayo,  Nkem Owoh, Ngozi Ezeonu, Peter Okoye, Sani Mu'azu, Kalu Ikeagwu, Jemimah Osunde.

Written by: Genevieve Nnaji
Directed by: Genevieve Nnaji
Produced by: Chinny Onwugbenu

FCA's AppR: 7.1/10