Synopsis:
Living in Bondage: Breaking Free is a continuation to the classic Nigerian inducted into the Nollywood Hall of Fame in 1992, Living in Bondage. It is thus both a sequel as well as a re-adaption of the first Nollywood film. Directed by Ramsey Nouah, who made his directorial debut in this film, this psychological thriller navigates the netherworlds of the occult, avarice and the lust for power.
The story centers on Nnamdi Okeke (notable character played by Jide Kene Achufusi) who is the son of Okeke Andy, one of the fundamental figures of the previous movie. Just like his father, Nnamdi loses himself to the enticement of riches and comforts that appear to come with great ease. A poitnt of concern he f is -the source of this –magic and money-inducing business is achieved through blood rituals. Nnamdi editing further the inheritance plunges to the inhumanly secret society which his father had cut off years prior.
The more Nnamdi aspires for power and wealth, the more he comes in contact with Richard Williams (Ramsey Nouah) who is a powerful businessman and the head of the occult male group. Nnamdi is obviously offered the same choices his father made for himself, with added prospects for even more wealth and power. As the tension develops, Nnamdi has no option but to look within and discover the cost of his dreams, culminating in a brutal fight over who owns Nnamdi’s soul.
Awards & Wins:
Living in Bondage: Breaking Free was highly acclaimed within the Nollywood industry and won several awards, including:
- Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (2020):
- Best Overall Movie
- Best Director – Ramsey Nouah
- Best Actor in a Drama – Jide Kene Achufusi
- Best Supporting Actor – Ramsey Nouah
It also received nominations for its script, production, and performances, signaling its importance as a milestone in the resurgence of Nollywood cinema.
Cast & Crew:
- Director: Ramsey Nouah
- Main Cast:
- Jide Kene Achufusi as Nnamdi Okeke – The protagonist, who finds himself trapped in the world of wealth and occultism.
- Ramsey Nouah as Richard Williams – The charismatic but dangerous leader of the occult group.
- Kenneth Okonkwo as Andy Okeke – Nnamdi’s father, reprising his role from the original Living in Bondage.
- Munachi Abii as Kelly Nwosu – A love interest of Nnamdi who plays a crucial role in his moral decisions.
- Kanayo O. Kanayo as Chief Omego – Another occult member from the original film, reprising his iconic role.
- Screenplay: Nicole Asinugo, C.J. Obasi
- Cinematography: John Demps
- Music: George Kallis
IMDb Ratings:
- IMDb Score: 6.0/10
- The film received a generally positive response from audiences and critics alike. Fans praised the film for its production quality, engaging storyline, and its ability to balance modern filmmaking techniques with the nostalgic elements of the original movie. Some viewers, however, found certain elements of the plot predictable, given its thematic connections to the first film.
Personal Insights:
Living in Bondage: Breaking Free emerges as a remarkable follow-up that took the revered Nollywood classic a notch higher while still contemporizing it. The greatest strength of the film in its art form is the fusion of the former with the present; where those seeing it for the first time will be enthralled, while those that watched the original Living in Bondage will appreciate it nonetheless. It is a commendable first attempt at directing by Ramsey Nouah but his role as the delightfully twisted and malevolent Richard Williams is the real disturbing lure of the movie.
Perhaps one of the more interesting themes involved within the parameters of the film is the concept of power, it’s captivities, and the inherent moral issues it raises in the audience. Nnamdi’s evolution from a carefree and optimistic youth with huge aspirations to a man ready to lose his humanity at the altar of money is a disturbing commentary on the realities of today’s society, more so in Nigeria, where the end often justifies the means. The film engages the people on their inner and outer avenues of rich inner worlds and rich external enrichment, how hatred and obsessive materialism can lead a person into savagery and bestiality.
On visual aesthetics, one can say that the film is one notch higher than average Nollywood productions in terms of cinematography, special effects, and set design. This brings an additional aspect to the story plot since the friction that exists between the characters and the paranormal activities has been enhanced. Those scenes that have people performing erotic rituals and practices are very engaging because they are filled with anticipation and horror just like in the original film.
Nnamdi is a character that is brought to life very effectively and intelligently by Jide Kene Achufusi. He embodies the inner conflict of a man who longs for and is consumed by wealth and the dreams it brings but has to sacrifice much to realize those dreams. The primary villain is Ramsey Nouah and the man is matchlessly mesmerizing and yet terrifying, effortlessly stealing the spotlight in each and every frame with a character most bubbly and crazed.
‘Breaking Free’ in as much as is faithful to the original, seeks to revise the narrative to address the present society and the changing patterns in Nigeria. It also attempts to go one level deeper into the topic dealing with the side effects of ambition and pursuing success – how and how much wealth has haunted Nnamdi because of his father’s choices and ambitions.
For those nigerian movie lovers, it is both a pleasurable return to memory and a daring advance in production values, storytelling and acting. Accordingly, it will claim a place among the leading films of the ongoing revival of nollywood because it exhibits dramatic themes of power, ethics, and the cost of ambition.