It is impossible to find movies that are perfect and even harder to find Nollywood movies that are devoid of much criticism but Living in Bondage: Breaking Free is one that comes very close to perfect, especially given the time gap and generational changes. CHIOMA IRUKE gives her opinion on the highly acclaimed movie.
LIVING IN BONDAGE: BREAKING FREE
Living in Bondage is one movie that has been accredited to the birth of the Nigerian movie industry. The first two sequel which was done in the Igbo language in 1992 and 1993 respectively was widely watched both within and outside Nigeria despite the language barrier, and was subject of various debates as it is usually attributed to the reason many Nollywood movies that followed after it where focused on spirituality, money making and the Igbo culture. It was written by Kenneth Nnebue and Okechukwu Ogunjiofor [who also doubles as the producer] and was directed by Chris Obi
‘Living in Bondage: Breaking Free’ was the third sequel to the highly acclaimed movie and is undoubtedly one of Nigeria’s finest movies; living up to expectations and hype. The movie was able to bring back some of the veteran actors that starred in the original, like Kenneth Okonkwo, Kanayo O. Kanayo and Bob Manuel as well as break the language barrier which was a constraint in the first two sequel; This time ensuring that that it was multilingual.
Produced by Charles Okpaleke and directed by veteran actor Ramsey Nouah, ‘Living in Bondage: Breaking Free’ was released November 2019 and has so far geared up N168.7million in Box Office and by May 2020 it was admitted to Netflix.
The ‘Breaking Free’ sequel follows the story of Andy Okeke’s son, Nnamdi a child he had with Ego before her untimely death.
According to the sequel which was well synchronised with the original two, Andy’s son Nnamdi falls into the same trap as his father despite several warning from his family who related his character to that of his father Andy.
Often described as one who does ‘pass himself’ in Nigerian English, Nnamdi who is very ambitious and career driven quits his job in his well paying advertising company JJW despite waiting five years after graduation to get it and starts his own which he calls ‘infinite ideas’. He loses his first client despite saving them from being ripped off, a ‘dog-eat-dog’ lesson he would later learn to accept as he shares his encounter with his family.
He later gets acquainted with the family of chief Omego despite warnings from his family. Obinna Omego (chief Omego’s son) introduces Nnamdi to Richard Williams who takes Williams under his influence giving him a very big push in his business. As time goes on Nnamdi who is now engulfed in the enigma of wealth accepts Williams’ offer to join the satanic brotherhood, The ‘Six’, a cult led by Richard Williams himself; thereby walking the same path as his father Andy.
One very captivating aspect of this movie is that unlike other movies that were released at the same time with it, ‘Breaking Free’ had lesser star power. Nnamdi and his love interest Kelly are recent screen acts whose performances in the movie were commendable. The movie was able to reveal some of its endorsers like UBA, Cubana club amongst others, in subtle ways without necessarily getting us bored. Each cast in the movie knew their roles and were able to deliver it flawlessly.
The movie pointed us to the dangers of not listening to elders and showed us how the decisions of elders not been totally truthful and open can affect youths who are inquisitive in nature. Let’s not also forget that the movie was also able to talk about modern day cultism and how it has evolved from people tying wrappers and using white chalks to people wearing suits and being all corporate.
Ramsey’s role as the movie’s villain was quite impressive as he was able to portray the devil as cunning, fearful, handsome and wise all at the same time. He knew the scriptures, its interpretations and its original texts. He knew the power of fear and how to access the deepest desires of men as was the case with Nnamdi. Williams was able to walk in the church and have conversation with Andy who is a servant of God as it should be, he is God’s son after all.
Uzoma, who had a minor role as an investigative journalist was able to trail the cult group and at the end of the day expose them to the world. The character of Uzoma has been an issue of controversy being that the supposed ‘Six’ is a cult sworn to secrecy. We understand that there was a mob action after the confession of Andy from the previous sequels which was explained by Uzoma, but then again how is it possible to know the details of a secret society by just being a Journalist?. Well again people might say rumours have a way of spreading fast and people aren’t stupid so he worked based on rumours and other known facts about the SIX. It’s worthy to note that Uzoma’s background check on Richard William was impressive.
As the movie comes to an end, Nnamdi is asked to sacrifice the one he loves the most, a choice he has to make between Kelly(his Fiancé) and Toby (his cousin). This puts him in a dilemma for a while after which he decides to give his life. He is rushed to the hospital by his father, cousin and Fiancé where he discovered that the secrets of the ‘Six’ have been exposed and mob actions where taking place.
‘Living in Bondage: Breaking Free’ had the highest opening weekend for a Nigerian film, and the highest collection in a single day for a Nollywood movie in 2019. It grossed over a 100million in three weeks breaking the record set by ‘Bling Lagosians’.
The movie is ranked as the eleventh in the list of Nollywood Highest-grossing films of all time after its theatrical run.
The movie stars Ramsey Nouah, Jidekene Achufusi, Kenneth Okonkwo, Eyinna Nwigwe, Munachi Abil, Shawn Faqua, David Jones, Ebele Okaro, Zulu Adigwe, Ndidi Obi, Nancy Isime, Bob Manuel, Charlene Chisom Ignatus, Chamberlain Usoh and kanayo O. Kanayo.
Filming of the movie took place in Lagos, Owerri and Durban. It has a running time of 2hrs 29 minutes.
