The Black Book is a Nigerian crime thriller film directed by Editi Effiong and starring Richard Mofe-Damijo, Joke Silva, and Funke Akindele.
“The Black Book” is a film that primarily aims to portray a social situation. Right from the beginning, the movie sets itself on the clear premise of showcasing the state of the country (Nigeria), and the characters’ stories revolve around and exist for this purpose.
It is a film with a lot of social commentary. However, here we will look at its cinematic value, which in this case is quite high. The characters are justified in telling us a well-told story.
It’s a film from which you can only learn a lesson, and the social realism is introduced from the very first frame.
Plot
The film tells the story of Paul Edima (Mofe-Damijo), a deacon whose son is wrongly accused of a crime and framed by a corrupt police gang. Paul takes matters into his own hands to clear his son’s name and expose the corrupt officials responsible.
Movie Review
A film that is based on an idea and comes to educate us, whether fairly or unfairly (we won’t delve into that), about the concept of justice and the corruption a country suffers.
If you’re in the mood for a lesson and also want to watch an entertaining film, “The Black Book” is a good opportunity for that. It knows how to handle the pacing, has good editing and cinematography, and its arguments are indisputable.
Another question is whether the situations or characters are too flat and obvious to engage the viewers who have already seen countless movies about injustices.
There would be two types of viewers for this film: those who contemplate it from the perspective of its social realism (they will undoubtedly appreciate it), and those who want to see a different aesthetic and, being a bit dilettante, approach cinema more as a concept than as reality. We don’t think the latter group will enjoy it.
It has rhythm and editing, it has action, and it works within the linearity of its plot and intentions.
Our Opinion
A production that aims to showcase the social reality of a country. It is social realism in its purest form, and will probably be to the liking of some viewers.
Movie Trailer
Release Date
September 22, 2023
Where to Watch “The Black Book”
The Cast
Richard Mofe-Damijo, also known as RMD, is a well-known Nigerian actor and politician. Born on July 6, 1961, he has achieved great success in his career. In 2005, he was honored with the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role, showcasing his exceptional talent. Apart from his acting prowess, Mofe-Damijo has also ventured into politics. Since January 2009, he has held the esteemed position of Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Delta State, Nigeria. Read more
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