The Black Book is a 2023 Nigerian crime thriller film produced and directed by Editi Effiong, starring Richard Mofe-Damijo, Sam Dede, Shaffy Bello, Femi Branch, Alex Usifo, Ade Laoye and Ireti Doyle.[1][2] The film was released to Netflix on 22 September 2023, Nigerian online newspaper Premium Times has likened Richard Mofe-Damijo's character in the film to John Wick's character owing to the storyline leaning towards a former hitman who is now drawn back into the criminal underworld he had abandoned.[3]
| The Black Book | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Editi Effiong |
| Written by |
|
| Produced by |
|
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Yinka Edward |
| Edited by | Antonio Rui Ribeiro |
| Music by | Kulanen Ikyo |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Netflix |
Release date |
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Running time | 2 hours 4 minutes |
| Country | Nigeria |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $1,000,000 |
Synopsis
editThe Black Book, directed by Editi Effiong, starts with the kidnapping and killing of the husband and infant of Professor Craig (Bimbo Akintola), the kidnapping and killing of her family emanated from the professor who also doubles as a minister revealing some dark secrets of corruption in the ministry. To cover their doings, the plotters of the killings, sort to pin the killing to an innocent Damilola Edima (Olumide Oworu), son of Paul Edima (Richard Mofe-Damijo). Paul was formerly part of this gang but has since gone low and settled to serving the Lord as a deacon. Following the killing of his innocent son, Paul Edima seeks to avenge the death of his son and goes after the mastermind, who also doubles as his former boss, General Issa (played by Alex Usifo), Paul wins the fight and retrieves the black book.[2]
PLOT
The Black Book (2023) is a Nigerian thriller that follows Paul Edima (Richard Mofe-Damijo), a deacon and retired military man, who is drawn back into a world of crime and corruption when his son is wrongfully accused of kidnapping and subsequently killed. Determined to clear his son's name and uncover the truth, Paul embarks on a relentless quest for justice, facing off against a power and corrupt system.
The film dives deep into themes of vengeance, morality, and redemption, as Paul uses his past skills to battle corrupt officials and law enforcement. As he gets closer to the truth, he discovers secrets linked to a powerful group of elite criminals. The Black Book explores the length a father would go for justice, highlighting the widespread corruption and abuse of power in Nigeria society
Selected cast
edit- Richard Mofe-Damijo as Paul Edima
- Ade Laoye as Vic Kalu
- Alex Usifo as General Issa
- Olumide Oworu as Damilola Edima
- Shaffy Bello as Big Daddy
- Kelechi Udegbe as Officer Abayomi
- Taiwo Ajai-Lycett as Editor
- Ireti Doyle as Commissioner
- Sam Dede as Angel
- Bimbo Akintola as Professor Craig
- Norbert Young as Mr Craig
- Femi Branch as Young General Issa
- Patrick Doyle as Senator Dipo
- Funky Mallam as Tanko
- Asabe Madaki as Baraka
- Bimbo Manuel as Reverend Father Omotosho
- Boki Ofodile as Chi Chi
- Jazzy Ogaga as Zara
- Denola Grey as Jesu
- Uzor Osimkpa as Adaobi
- Jetro Taiwo as Mo Dipo
- Sandra Ezekwesili as Radio narrator
- Joseph Momodu as Young Paul Edima
Production
editThe film's executive producers include tech founders Kola Oyeneyin, Ezra Olubi (co-founder of Paystack), Odunayo Oweniyi (co-founder and COO of Piggyvest), Gbenga Agboola (founder and CEO of Flutterwave), Kola Aina (founding partner at Ventures Partner), and Olumide Soyombo (cofounder Blue Chip Technologies).[5] The film was produced with a budget of $1 million (The Most Expensive Movie Production in Nollywood).[6][7][8]
References
edit- ^ Odeh, Nehru. "Richard Mofe-Damijo shines in "The Black Book"". PM News.
- ^ a b Enitan, Abdultawab. "'The Black Book' review: Richard Mofe-Damijo's struggle over lynched son resonates with #JusticeforMohbad". Vanguard.
- ^ Kalu, Esther (2023-09-23). "MOVIE REVIEW: The Black Book: RMD shines as Nigeria's John Wick, but it's not enough to save complicated plot". Premium Times Nigeria. Retrieved 2023-09-24.
- ^ Udugba, Anthony (2023-09-23). "Nollywood veterans shine in Editi Effiong's Netflix film". Businessday NG. Retrieved 2023-09-24.
- ^ Eleanya, Frank (2023-09-15). "The Black Book: When tech founders turn Nollywood producers". Businessday NG. Retrieved 2023-09-24.
- ^ YNaija (2023-09-22). "The Film Blog: Take a Look at The Investors Behind Nollywood's Million Dollar Movie "The Black Book" » YNaija". YNaija. Retrieved 2023-09-24.
- ^ VibeOnVibe.com.ng (2023-09-27). "'The Black Book' becomes Nollywood's first No.1 on Netflix worldwide". VibesOnVibe.com.ng. Retrieved 2023-09-27.
- ^ Eleanya, Frank (2023-09-26). "'The Black Book review: Chapters in Effiong's directorial debut >>". Businessday NG. Retrieved 2023-12-29.
