The Black Book (2023 film)

Last updated
The Black Book
Directed by Editi Effiong
Written by
  • Bunmi Ajakaiye
  • Editi Effiong
Produced by
Starring
Cinematography Yinka Edward
Edited byAntonio Rui Ribeiro
Music by Kulanen Ikyo
Production
company
Distributed by Netflix
Release date
  • 22 September 2023 (2023-09-22)
Running time
2 hours 4 minutes
Country Nigeria
LanguageEnglish
Budget$1,000,000

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]

Contents

Synopsis

The 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

[4]

Production

The 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]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Richard Mofe-Damijo</span> Nigerian politician and actor (born 1961)

Richard Evans Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, is a foremost Nigerian actor, writer, producer, lawyer, and former journalist. He was also a Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Delta State in 2009. In 2005, he won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 12th Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2016. In 2024, he was honoured with the Industry Merit Awards, alongside Iya Rainbow at the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards.

Alex Usifo is a veteran Nigerian actor.

Checkmate is a Nigerian television serial that ran from Thursday, April 4, 1991 to 1994, created by Amaka Igwe and sponsored by Lever Brothers Nigeria. It starred Ego Nnamani, Francis Agu, Bob-Manuel Udokwu, Mildred Iweka, Kunle Bamtefa, and Richard Mofe Damijo Set in Lagos, the story focuses on the Haatrope family, the enemies determined to destroy their business and legacy, and their friends and associates. Checkmate is seen in the show's opening credits, where a chess player's king is directly attacked by an opponent's pawn, making escape impossible.

<i>Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons</i> 2018 film by Toka Mcbaror

Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons is a 2018 Nigerian action comedy film written by Anthony Kehinde Joseph, produced by Darlington Abuda and directed by Toka Mcbaror. It stars an ensemble cast, which includes: Ramsey Nouah, AY Makun, Jim Iyke, Damilola Adegbite, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Iretiola Doyle, Falz, Jide Kosoko, Rosaline Meurer and Nancy Isime.

<i>Chief Daddy</i> 2018 Nigerian comedy drama film

Chief Daddy is a 2018 Nigerian comedy drama film directed by Niyi Akinmolayan, written by Bode Asiyanbi and produced by Mosunmola Abudu and Temidayo Abudu, which was released in December 2018. It starred popular Nollywood actors and actresses Funke Akindele Bello, Kate Henshaw, Nkem Owoh, Joke Silva, Patience Ozokwor, Richard Mofe Damijo and Racheal Oniga.

<i>Love Is War</i> (2019 film) 2019 Nigerian comedy drama film

Love Is War is a 2019 Nigerian political drama film directed by Omoni Oboli and written by Chinaza Onuzo. It stars Oboli, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Jide Kosoko, Akin Lewis, Bimbo Manuel, Toke Makinwa, Shaffy Bello, Femi Branch, Uzo Osimkpa, Yemi Blaq, Damilare Kuku and William Benson. Produced by Inkblot Productions and Dioni Visions, Love Is War is the second collaboration between the two production companies following 2018's Moms at War. The film is centered around a married couple who run against each other for governor in the same state.

<i>Gold Statue</i> 2019 Nigerian comedy adventure drama film by Tade Ogidan

Gold Statue is a 2019 Nigerian comedy adventure drama film produced, written and directed by veteran filmmaker Tade Ogidan. The film stars Gabriel Afolayan and Kunle Remi in the main lead roles. The film was released on 17 May 2019 and received extremely positive reviews from critics. It was also nominated for the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Nigerian Film for the year 2019. The film also received few awards at film festivals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Daniel Etim Effiong</span> Nigerian actor, scriptwriter and film director

Daniel Etim Effiong, also Daniel Etim-Effiong is a Nigerian Nollywood actor and film director.

<i>Day of Destiny</i> 2021 Nigerian film directed by Akay Mason and Abosi Ogba

Day of Destiny also known as D.O.D is a 2021 Nigerian sci-fi adventure film written and co-directed by Akay Mason and Abosi Ogba. Abosi Ogba made his directorial debut in this film. The film stars Olumide Oworu, Denola Grey, Norbert Young and Toyin Abraham in the lead roles. The film is based on the mysterious adventures of two teenage brothers who travel back in time by 20 years to change the fortunes of the family. It is also the first Nigerian family adventure film as well as Nigeria's first-ever time traveller film and was also the first Nigerian film to be released in 2021.

<i>Seven</i> (2019 Nigerian film) 2019 Nigerian film

Seven is a 2019 Nigerian crime action thriller film directed by Tosin Igho and produced by tosin igho & Bryan Dike. The film stars Efa Iwara, Richard Mofe Damijo, Bimbo Manuel, Daddy Showkey, Patrick Diabuah, Uche Nwaefunam, Sadiq Daba. It was released on 29 November 2019 and premiered on Netflix in 2019.

<i>My Wife & I</i> 2017 Nigerian drama thriller film

My Wife & I, is a 2017 Nigerian comedy family film directed by Bunmi Ajakaiye and co-produced by Moses Babatope, Kene Mkparu, Kene Okwuosa, Zulu Onuekwusi, Chinaza Onuzo and Isioma Osaje. The film stars Ramsey Nouah and Omoni Oboli with Dorcas Shola-Fapson, Bimbo Ademoye, and Lilian Afegbai in supporting roles. The film tells the story of Toyosi and Ebere, an unhappily married couple on the brink of a divorce, but later change their marital status further high.

<i>Man of God</i> (2022 film) Nigerian film

Man of God is a 2022 Nigerian film produced by Bolanle Austen-Peters and starring Akah Nnani, Osas Ighodaro, Dorcas Shola-Fapson, Prince Nelson Enwerem, Atlanta Bridget Johnson, Jude Chukwuka, Olumide Oworu, Mawuli Gavor and many others. Based on the biblical story The Prodigal Son, Man of God was released on Netflix on 16 April 2022 as Bolanle Austen-Peters first Netflix branded film.

The New Normal is a 2020 Nigerian dramedy film written by Tunde Babalola, produced and directed by Teniola Olatoni under the production studio of Sourmash Stories. The film stars Richard Mofe Damijo, Mercy Johnson, Broda Shaggi, Bimbo Akintola, Kehinde Bankole, Femi Jacobs, Femi Blaq, Meg Otanwa, and Mofe Duncan.

Far From Home is a drama television series and the first Nigerian series on Netflix. The series, written by Dami Elebe and produced by Inkblot productions premiered on Netflix on December 16, 2022. The five-part series stars Mike Afolarin, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Bimbo Akintola, Carol King, Adesua Etomi, Funke Akindele, Bolanle Ninalowo, Genoveva Umeh, Natse Jemide and a host of others.

Ijakumo: The Born Again Stripper is a 2022 suspense thriller produced by Toyin Abraham and had its theatrical release on 23 December 2022. The film stars an ensemble cast including Toyin Abraham, Kunle Remi, Lolade Okusanya, Bimbo Akintola, Olumide Oworu, Lillian Afegbai among others. The film was scripted by Kehinde Joseph and directed by Adebayo Tijani.

<i>The Origin: Madam Koi-Koi</i> 2023 Nigerian film

The Origin: Madam Koi-Koi is a 2023 Nollywood two-part horror film produced by Jay Franklyn Jituboh and Dale Falola. The film tells the story of the popular Madam Koi-Koi myth, which centers a ghost who haunts dormitories, hallways and toilets in boarding schools at night. The two-part film started streaming on Netflix on 31 October 2023. The film stars Ireti Doyle, Martha Ehinome, Nene Aliemeke, Chioma Chukwuka, Deyemi Okanlawon, Omowunmi Dada, Ejiro Onojaife, Chuks Joseph, Kevin T. Solomon, Temidayo Akinboro, Iremide Adeoye and others.

Egemba Chinonso Fidelis popularly known as Aproko Doctor, is a Nigerian doctor, health influencer and actor. He is the founder of Healthy Brands and 100K Club, a non-profit organisation.

<i>A Tribe Called Judah</i> 2023 Nigerian film

A Tribe Called Judah is a 2023 Nigerian film produced by Funke Akindele and starring Funke Akindele, Timini Egbuson, Jide Kene Achufusi, Uzee Usman, Tobi Makinde Olumide Oworu, Genoveva Umeh, Nse Ikpe Etim, Juliana Olayode, Uzor Arukwe, Fathia Balogun, Yvonne Jegede and many others. The film was released to cinemas nationwide on December 15, 2023. Akindele has said the film is dedicated to her late mother and draws partially from her mother's life.

Postcards is a 2024 Nigerian-Indian Netflix series created by Hamisha Daryani Ahuja. Filmed in Lagos and Mumbai, the series is a cross-cultural venture between Nollywood and Bollywood and stars performers from both industries including Sola Sobowale, Richard Mofe Damijo, Tobi Bakre, Rahama Sadau, Rajneesh Duggal, and Nancy Isime. Postcards is Ahuja's first major production since 2021's Namaste Wahala, and follows the lives of four Nigerians who discover love, acceptance, and prosperity in India after embarking on individual journeys of self-discovery whilst facing their trials and tribulations.

References

  1. Odeh, Nehru. "Richard Mofe-Damijo shines in "The Black Book"". PM News.
  2. 1 2 Enitan, Abdultawab. "'The Black Book' review: Richard Mofe-Damijo's struggle over lynched son resonates with #JusticeforMohbad". Vanguard .
  3. 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.
  4. Udugba, Anthony (2023-09-23). "Nollywood veterans shine in Editi Effiong's Netflix film". Businessday NG. Retrieved 2023-09-24.
  5. Eleanya, Frank (2023-09-15). "The Black Book: When tech founders turn Nollywood producers". Businessday NG. Retrieved 2023-09-24.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Eleanya, Frank (2023-09-26). "'The Black Book review: Chapters in Effiong's directorial debut >>". Businessday NG. Retrieved 2023-12-29.