Mobitsworld Review of “The Black Book” Movie on Netflix
I recently had the pleasure of watching “The Black Book,” a Nollywood action-revenge film set in the gritty streets of Lagos. As a fan of Nollywood, I’ve always yearned for more genre variety in the industry, and this film gave me just that. It’s refreshing to see Nollywood delve into the action genre, and “The Black Book” delivers a thrilling experience reminiscent of John Wick.
From the moment the film started, I was hooked. The story revolves around Paul Edima, played by the talented Richard-Mofe-Damijo, an unsuspecting church Deacon seeking justice for his son’s false accusation and subsequent murder. The film wastes no time in immersing the audience in a world of intense gunfights, explosive action, and a dark underbelly of corruption.
Visually, “The Black Book” is a treat. The cinematography is top-notch, with well-lit scenes even in nighttime settings, which has often been a drawback in Nollywood films. The attention to detail in capturing the atmosphere of Lagos’s seedy underbelly adds an extra layer of authenticity to the film. Additionally, the audio quality is excellent, ensuring that dialogue is clear and audible, even when characters are offscreen.
The performances in the film are commendable, with standout portrayals from the cast. Sam Dede’s brutal depiction of Angelo, a character who embodies the devil incarnate, left a lasting impression. Shaffy Bello’s portrayal of the underground crime boss, Big Daddy, was equally captivating. Richard-Mofe-Damijo’s acting skills shine through, particularly in displaying simmering intensity throughout the film. However, I must admit that his physical performance in stunts and fight scenes felt somewhat lacking, and the addition of a stunt double would have been beneficial.
While “The Black Book” is an engaging film, it does have a few flaws. The pacing, which starts off sharp, loses some momentum in the second half. An extended sequence set in Kaduna felt slightly overdone and could have been trimmed down to maintain the film’s overall impact. Additionally, the plotline involving Victoria, a reporter assisting the protagonist, felt predictable from the start, and the actress’s performance failed to impress me.
Despite these shortcomings, “The Black Book” succeeds in delivering a story of revenge and the consequences of a life steeped in crime. The film effectively tackles themes of corruption and greed within Nigeria’s political landscape, striking a chord with the audience. While the titular Black Book could have been introduced earlier in the narrative, its significance to the plot cannot be denied.
In conclusion, “The Black Book” is a step in the right direction for Nollywood, exploring new genres and offering audiences something different. It may have its flaws, including pacing issues and certain predictable plot elements, but it remains an enjoyable and engaging action film. I applaud the filmmakers for their efforts and look forward to witnessing more ventures into the action genre in Nollywood’s future.
Rating: 8.5/10
