Synopsis:
Lionheart is a drama-comedy Nigerian film that has been directed and also acted upon by Genevieve Nnaji. The story revolves around Adaeze Obiagu, character played by Genevieve Nnaji, who is strong headed and sharp in the executive ranks of her father’s transport business called Lion heart. After suffering from a health scare, Adaeze’s father, Chief Ernest Obiagu is shown to be ill whilst Adaeze is next in line to take the reigns of the company. Instead of appointing her however the father selects his rowdy inexperienced brother in law Godswill to manager the company with her on an interim basis.
With deadline for the repayment of loan looming, and the company on the verge of being bought out, against the constant family quarrels, Adaeze and the game plan of her uncle Ahumbule made it with redoubtable enemies. Where Adaeze is effective and down to earth, her uncle is colorful and tends to rely and act on her moods which can be rather crazy resulting into all sorts of funny and outrageous encounters. After a while, Adaeze comes to realize that perhaps her uncle’s radical thinking and her business skills are just what they need to protect the family’s heritage.
The film addresses various aspects including but not limited to; the problems of gender discrimination, family issues and fighting in a capitalist world, only through wreaths of Igbo culture and most importantly Nigerian culture.
Awards & Wins:
Lionheart made history as the first Nigerian film to be acquired by Netflix and became Nigeria’s first-ever submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 92nd Academy Awards (Oscars). Although it was later disqualified for primarily being in English, the film received critical acclaim and several nominations at African film festivals, including:
- Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2018: Premiered as part of the festival’s “Discovery” section.
- Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA):
- Best Nigerian Film (Nomination)
- Best Actress in a Leading Role – Genevieve Nnaji (Nomination)
- Best Supporting Actor – Nkem Owoh (Nomination)
Cast & Crew:
- Director: Genevieve Nnaji
- Main Cast:
- Genevieve Nnaji as Adaeze Obiagu – The ambitious daughter fighting to save her family’s business.
- Nkem Owoh as Godswill Obiagu – Adaeze’s quirky uncle, who provides both comic relief and surprising business savvy.
- Pete Edochie as Chief Ernest Obiagu – Adaeze’s ailing father and the patriarch of the Lionheart company.
- Onyeka Onwenu as Abigail Obiagu – Adaeze’s strong-willed mother who supports her daughter in taking over the family business.
- Kanayo O. Kanayo as Igwe Pascal – A rival businessman trying to take over Lionheart.
- Kalu Ikeagwu as Samuel Akah – The company’s legal adviser.
- Screenplay: Genevieve Nnaji, Chinny Onwugbenu, Ishaya Bako, Emil Garuba, C.J. Obasi
- Cinematography: Yinka Edward
- Music: Kulanen Ikyo
IMDb Ratings:
- IMDb Score: 6.9/10
- The film was well-received, especially for its heartwarming story, strong performances, and positive representation of Nigerian culture and family values. Critics praised Genevieve Nnaji’s direction, as well as Nkem Owoh’s comedic performance, though some viewers felt the plot was predictable and overly simplistic.
Personal Insights:
Lionheart is a rejuvenating, feel good flick that represents a watershed moment for Nollywood, not just for being released on Netflix but also for it is well-made and has high-quality production. It is her first time in this capacity and as a filmmaker, she tells a practice that is familiar to non Nigerians, but in its setting to be in Nigerian society particularly the Igbo culture which makes the film unique.
Family relationships, relationships between people, business as a woman in a man’s world are the interesting storylines that the movie embodies. One of the underlying themes in the film is Adaeze’s growth as a woman who is out to find a place for herself in a man’s world. Adaeze is a role played by Nnaji in what may come out as a discreet way yet with a barrage of persecution, the way she orders and presents herself is amazing even to a newcomer in the business.
Much of the comic relief comes from Nkem Owoh’s characterization of Godswill. His free, creative and at times reckless style differs greatly from the more professional style of Adaeze, yet they manage to respect one another and appreciate that in order to be a true leader, one must use not only intelligence but also wisdom and a feeling for the situation. Over the project, special attention will be paid to a relationship of Adaeze and her uncle, which helps to bring a good sense of contrast and depth to the story. Owoh comedy is distractingly likable and adds an emotional aspect to his comical character.
On the whole, I must say that the film is very interesting, especially for those who want to know more about Enugu and Nigeria in general. One of the aspects that is well illustrated in the movie is the environment, featuring the cosmopolitan nature of cities like the Nigerian culture. The modern Nigerian singers are featured on the film and bring together an appropriate sound that matches the theme of the movie.
Although Lionheart cannot be described as action packed or a movie with lots of twists, I will admit that it is refreshing in its lack of complexity. It’s a beautiful Nigerian movie which walks you through family values and love and the ability to rise back up. Even without understanding the Nigerian culture, the appreciation of equality, family, merging and corporate concepts expressed through the film can be sustained worldwide.
Nollywood has to begin producing such films, and Lionheart is the film that deserves such commendation. She accepts this important responsibility not just as a producer but as the owner of the project. Those who have been put off by Nollywood will find it very reassuring to know that the film is all about put encouraging tales and to anyone who is interested in what the new Nigeria film industry looks like.
Cultural Significance:
Lionheart’s importance goes beyond its plot—it symbolizes the rising power of Nigerian cinema on the global stage. The film’s acquisition by Netflix and its Oscar submission marked a milestone for Nollywood, showcasing the industry’s ability to produce content that resonates internationally. It also reflects Genevieve Nnaji’s transition from iconic Nollywood actress to a leading voice in shaping the future of Nigerian filmmaking.
