Nice movie

Won't miss this.

jubrilELsudan:
FVCK DEY THE MOVIE?

you and that dog wey u post no serious

Can it be watched with kids?

safarigirl:


4 of the main casts are Igbo; Adaobi Dibor (Oyinbrakemi), Jidekene Achufusi(Boma), Obinna Okenwa (Olotu), Levi Chikere (Degbe). Sylvester Ekanem (Tekena) is Efik, not sure where David Ezekiel is from, two English names don't give anything away, but I'm assuming he's Niger Deltan, possibly even Ijaw.

Yes, Charles did very well with promoting a non-Wazobia language. If nothing else, it will pique the interest of some who aren't as familiar with the multi-ethnic state of Nigeria (which is basically something I've always harped on).

Representation matters. We can start picking out the accuracy of the representation after it has happened regularly enough, but it is important first, to put out these movies.

David Ezekiel is from kogi state. 😊

So, wetin we want use am do?

I watched a Nigerian movie yesterday smtn I rarely do and I found the move kinda interesting and the storyline quite good and better than what I usually see from Nollywood. The Acting was equally ok bt as a natural core critic is saw a few areas for Improvement in the way some of the scenes where shot.

The movie is called marriage interview.

InyinyaAgbaOku:


Seeing the way you are this passionate and defensive, Why haven't the Ijaw people being acting their movies on the big screen then ?

Una too like argument for Nairaland.

You people always make trivial things to be a big deal!

Nawa oh!

O di ka film a nwere ngabasi.....
But i no wan turn to cry cry boy..

All this nigeria movie reviewer, when u watch d movie now its nothing but trash

Safarigirl, watch Deadly Voyage, a movie about ghanaian stowaways and compare the 2.

That movie should be the Movie of the Year. It is worth it

Great movie I loved it

Nice one safarigirl

Next time you drop movies review, abeg drop trailer make the review complete

safarigirl:
Hello Nairaland, it has been ages!

I realise I haven't done a movie review in a while and I just want to sharpen my pencil once again.

So, I'm here with the Netflix/PlayNetwork movie, Blood Vessel, a movie set in the Niger Delta about six unlikely characters that end up as stowaways on a ship.

I saw this movie in the middle of the night, and to be honest, I didn't have much expectations, but brethren, my mind was blown and it blew from the first five minutes when I realised the characters were speaking an indigenous language that WAS NOT WaZoBia. I was so excited just for that, because for the last few years, I have been advocating for broader storytelling in Nollywood and inclusion of minority languages. A few filmmakers opined that this was a big ask, as it was difficult to market a non-WaZoBia movie to the general Nigerian market. I've always thought this was balderdash, and rooted more in inferiority complex than actual facts, so, I was so glad to see that I was, after all, not wrong, and you can use a non-majority language to make a movie and it will bang.

Shout out to Charles Okpaleke of Play Network, he has been criticised overtime by Nollywood enthusiasts for producing somewhat low quality storylines that are rooted more in aesthetics than actual storytelling, and this movie was his big F*CK YOU! To such criticism.

Without further ado, let me get into the meat of this stew


Movie Title: Blood Vessel

Cast:
David Ezekiel
Adaobi Dibor
Levi Chikere
Sylvester Ekanem
Jidekene Achufusi
Alex Cyr Budin
Obinna Okenwa
Bimbo Manuel
Ebele Okaro


Plot:

Six people fleeing an oil-polluted community overrun by security agents, cross paths by chance and end up as stowaways on an ill-fated ship, unaware of the dangers aboard.


Movie Review:

This movie was marketed on the ground that it was a Niger Delta story, and to be honest, I was a bit unsure of what role Jidekene Achufusi would be playing in such a movie, since he isn't Niger Deltan. I temporarily forgot that actors exist TO ACT.

The first props I'd like to give this movie, is for AUTHENTICITY. When they said the movie would be set in Niger Delta, there were no plans to half-arse it. They fully planned to go the whole nine yards, and the first ode to this decision was seen in the use of the Ijaw language as the main language of dialogue in this movie. The first few minutes, I was trying to place the language, I was certain it wasn't Efik/Ibibio, and then when I realised it was Ijaw, I was happy for the inclusion and I decided to see how far they would go with it. They went all the way.

I do not have the words to quantify how much of a relief it is that we finally shed off the Lagos ghetto movie scene. The stories on Lagos criminal life have become lethargic over the years due to being overflogged and this movie finally traversing other angles to Nigerian life felt like a cold bottle of water hitting parched throat. Hearing Ijaw language being spoken, and Niger Delta pidgin was a very pleasant deviation from what Nollywood has inundated us with in recent times.

The production was so good. From the cinematography to the casting. With the cinematography, the story's dark theme was employed, but the colour grading didn't have that yellow tint to it. The director of photography needs to take a bouquet of flowers. The angles from which the story was told in certain scenes were so powerful, I really don't want to drop any spoilers, so, I'll be as vague as I can. There was a scene where the lead actor was groveling at the feet of the antagonist, the camera angle showed how imposing the antagonist was in that moment, and then in another scene, where the protagonist had the power over the antagonist, and the camera focused on his glare, those scenes were incredible.

With the setting, they kept it true to the Niger Delta theme; we were treated to sights of the oil polluted water, rural areas, sandy beaches, and the waterside. About 60% of the movie was shot on a ship, and we got the full exploration of the ship. I really want to give the production team props for getting that ship, that was money well spent as far as setting goes.

Now, let's get into the movie as a whole. To be honest, the beginning was a bit slow, but that's pretty much how beginnings for a lot of movies go. The attempt to catch our interest with a fiery opening is perhaps, not very successful, but as we go along, the story pulls you in. You find yourself invested in how they end up on the ship and what led to their change in fortunes.

This movie is brimming with actual emotion, you feel it in every scene. The fear, the hope, the despair. The actors are so brilliant, and I mean this whole heartedly, because each of them were able to project every emotion at the right time.

Jidekene as a revolutionary is convincing, his character, Boma, embodies the fighting spirit and defiance of every modern revolutionary you can think of. His carriage is commanding and his aura is compelling. David Ezekiel, who plays Abbey, one half of two young lovers, embodies the passion of any young man in love, he's spirited, hopeful, and forms a solid rock for his love, Adaobi Dibor, who plays Oyinbrakeme, executes the apprehensive lovergirl with an interesting marine origin, Obinna Okenwa and Sylvester Ekanem (Olotu and Tekena) are brothers in search of greener pastures, with Obinna playing the protective older brother, and Sylvester Ekanem executes the somewhat selfish younger brother, Levi Chikere (Degbe) is the mouthy freedom fighter with a rather weak grasp of sacrifice and true brotherhood. Each of these actors are exceptional in their roles, and to crown it all, Alex Cyr Budin is every bit the annoying villain as Igor. The actors not only naturally align with their characters, the characters themselves are so well written, that there is no deviation from their established values.

Without a doubt, this production skyrockets to the best thing that has ever come out of PlayNetwork. It is true to its roots, the acting is great and the script is brilliant. It is possibly the first movie of its kind in Nigeria, as regards the language of dialogue. Keeping to Play Network fashion, it also teases hints of another production in the works about the Igbo landing. This is a very underrated, but very much appreciated part of the PlayNetwork production company; they always intertwine their productions into what promises to be a cinematic universe much like we see with Marvel.

The movie's dialogue is mainly in Ijaw, Niger Delta pidgin, Russian, Urhobo and Igbo. Prior to watching this movie, I had been certain no other movie would top Afamefuna for me this year, but Blood Vessel ranks right up there. It's a great watch and it highlights familiar themes of exploitation, love, spiritualism, and family.

I am loving the exploration of other languages from Nollywood and I hope that the success of Blood Vessel inspires other Nollywood filmmakers to explore beyond the comfort zone of Wazobia, and also, knowing there are actors willing to play roles, and learn any language in order to execute said role, should be quite the encouraging thought.

Standout scenes (spoilers):

I had about 5 different standout scenes, with Jidekene featuring heavily in them, however, to avoid ruining the movie for some, I'll only pick out two.

1. Boma's shock when Degbe is shot is palpable. He freezes and just stares on in disbelief, and you can fully resonate with his shock in that moment.
2. The scene where Abbey opens their hideout spot and he watches hallucinations of each of his comrades greet him. This scene was incredibly emotional and basically brings us full circle. The choice of music is also emotional, and if you're not guiding your side, you may even shed a tear


Rating: 8/10

Watch or Trowey: Definitely watch.

Have you seen the movie? What are your thoughts and ratings?

PS: Sadly, the guy who played Tekena, Sylvester Ekanem, died a couple of months ago, in unknown circumstances. He was 23-years old and so close to a big break. May his soul Rest In Peace and may his family watch this movie knowing their son left behind a legacy so great despite living a life so short.

Is igbo language part of the minority

Movie is 4.5/10 to me because the lead guy looks like a baby who just crossed through puberty, having him square off against that Russian bad guy who played his role perfectly didn't make sense to me.. not realistic

Why didn't they get someone who can play the lover boy and tough boy role and would easily fit into both roles without looking out of place.

BTW, the girl in the movie is really pretty, she should grace our screens alot more. As for that adolescent lover boy this should be his last movie.


I just hated the guy, his looks, his role, come match him and that fine girl...dem no match at all. Plus you come thief person daughter for house, u no even see her dead body carry come back.

When Ibos do movies ALL the actors are Ibos.

When Yoruba do movies they try to include other tribes.

Whose the bigot (sorry yoghurt)?

safarigirl:
Hello Nairaland, it has been ages!

I realise I haven't done a movie review in a while and I just want to sharpen my pencil once again.

So, I'm here with the Netflix/PlayNetwork movie, Blood Vessel, a movie set in the Niger Delta about six unlikely characters that end up as stowaways on a ship.

I saw this movie in the middle of the night, and to be honest, I didn't have much expectations, but brethren, my mind was blown and it blew from the first five minutes when I realised the characters were speaking an indigenous language that WAS NOT WaZoBia. I was so excited just for that, because for the last few years, I have been advocating for broader storytelling in Nollywood and inclusion of minority languages. A few filmmakers opined that this was a big ask, as it was difficult to market a non-WaZoBia movie to the general Nigerian market. I've always thought this was balderdash, and rooted more in inferiority complex than actual facts, so, I was so glad to see that I was, after all, not wrong, and you can use a non-majority language to make a movie and it will bang.

Shout out to Charles Okpaleke of Play Network, he has been criticised overtime by Nollywood enthusiasts for producing somewhat low quality storylines that are rooted more in aesthetics than actual storytelling, and this movie was his big F*CK YOU! To such criticism.

Without further ado, let me get into the meat of this stew


Movie Title: Blood Vessel

Cast:
David Ezekiel
Adaobi Dibor
Levi Chikere
Sylvester Ekanem
Jidekene Achufusi
Alex Cyr Budin
Obinna Okenwa
Bimbo Manuel
Ebele Okaro


Plot:

Six people fleeing an oil-polluted community overrun by security agents, cross paths by chance and end up as stowaways on an ill-fated ship, unaware of the dangers aboard.


Movie Review:

This movie was marketed on the ground that it was a Niger Delta story, and to be honest, I was a bit unsure of what role Jidekene Achufusi would be playing in such a movie, since he isn't Niger Deltan. I temporarily forgot that actors exist TO ACT.

The first props I'd like to give this movie, is for AUTHENTICITY. When they said the movie would be set in Niger Delta, there were no plans to half-arse it. They fully planned to go the whole nine yards, and the first ode to this decision was seen in the use of the Ijaw language as the main language of dialogue in this movie. The first few minutes, I was trying to place the language, I was certain it wasn't Efik/Ibibio, and then when I realised it was Ijaw, I was happy for the inclusion and I decided to see how far they would go with it. They went all the way.

I do not have the words to quantify how much of a relief it is that we finally shed off the Lagos ghetto movie scene. The stories on Lagos criminal life have become lethargic over the years due to being overflogged and this movie finally traversing other angles to Nigerian life felt like a cold bottle of water hitting parched throat. Hearing Ijaw language being spoken, and Niger Delta pidgin was a very pleasant deviation from what Nollywood has inundated us with in recent times.

The production was so good. From the cinematography to the casting. With the cinematography, the story's dark theme was employed, but the colour grading didn't have that yellow tint to it. The director of photography needs to take a bouquet of flowers. The angles from which the story was told in certain scenes were so powerful, I really don't want to drop any spoilers, so, I'll be as vague as I can. There was a scene where the lead actor was groveling at the feet of the antagonist, the camera angle showed how imposing the antagonist was in that moment, and then in another scene, where the protagonist had the power over the antagonist, and the camera focused on his glare, those scenes were incredible.

With the setting, they kept it true to the Niger Delta theme; we were treated to sights of the oil polluted water, rural areas, sandy beaches, and the waterside. About 60% of the movie was shot on a ship, and we got the full exploration of the ship. I really want to give the production team props for getting that ship, that was money well spent as far as setting goes.

Now, let's get into the movie as a whole. To be honest, the beginning was a bit slow, but that's pretty much how beginnings for a lot of movies go. The attempt to catch our interest with a fiery opening is perhaps, not very successful, but as we go along, the story pulls you in. You find yourself invested in how they end up on the ship and what led to their change in fortunes.

This movie is brimming with actual emotion, you feel it in every scene. The fear, the hope, the despair. The actors are so brilliant, and I mean this whole heartedly, because each of them were able to project every emotion at the right time.

Jidekene as a revolutionary is convincing, his character, Boma, embodies the fighting spirit and defiance of every modern revolutionary you can think of. His carriage is commanding and his aura is compelling. David Ezekiel, who plays Abbey, one half of two young lovers, embodies the passion of any young man in love, he's spirited, hopeful, and forms a solid rock for his love, Adaobi Dibor, who plays Oyinbrakeme, executes the apprehensive lovergirl with an interesting marine origin, Obinna Okenwa and Sylvester Ekanem (Olotu and Tekena) are brothers in search of greener pastures, with Obinna playing the protective older brother, and Sylvester Ekanem executes the somewhat selfish younger brother, Levi Chikere (Degbe) is the mouthy freedom fighter with a rather weak grasp of sacrifice and true brotherhood. Each of these actors are exceptional in their roles, and to crown it all, Alex Cyr Budin is every bit the annoying villain as Igor. The actors not only naturally align with their characters, the characters themselves are so well written, that there is no deviation from their established values.

Without a doubt, this production skyrockets to the best thing that has ever come out of PlayNetwork. It is true to its roots, the acting is great and the script is brilliant. It is possibly the first movie of its kind in Nigeria, as regards the language of dialogue. Keeping to Play Network fashion, it also teases hints of another production in the works about the Igbo landing. This is a very underrated, but very much appreciated part of the PlayNetwork production company; they always intertwine their productions into what promises to be a cinematic universe much like we see with Marvel.

The movie's dialogue is mainly in Ijaw, Niger Delta pidgin, Russian, Urhobo and Igbo. Prior to watching this movie, I had been certain no other movie would top Afamefuna for me this year, but Blood Vessel ranks right up there. It's a great watch and it highlights familiar themes of exploitation, love, spiritualism, and family.

I am loving the exploration of other languages from Nollywood and I hope that the success of Blood Vessel inspires other Nollywood filmmakers to explore beyond the comfort zone of Wazobia, and also, knowing there are actors willing to play roles, and learn any language in order to execute said role, should be quite the encouraging thought.

Standout scenes (spoilers):

I had about 5 different standout scenes, with Jidekene featuring heavily in them, however, to avoid ruining the movie for some, I'll only pick out two.

1. Boma's shock when Degbe is shot is palpable. He freezes and just stares on in disbelief, and you can fully resonate with his shock in that moment.
2. The scene where Abbey opens their hideout spot and he watches hallucinations of each of his comrades greet him. This scene was incredibly emotional and basically brings us full circle. The choice of music is also emotional, and if you're not guiding your side, you may even shed a tear


Rating: 8/10

Watch or Trowey: Definitely watch.

Have you seen the movie? What are your thoughts and ratings?

PS: Sadly, the guy who played Tekena, Sylvester Ekanem, died a couple of months ago, in unknown circumstances. He was 23-years old and so close to a big break. May his soul Rest In Peace and may his family watch this movie knowing their son left behind a legacy so great despite living a life so short.

I will rate it a 5 (that's being generous)
It reeks something that is unreal...
Klinge a soldier and one of the men caught(the father of the girl) told the soldiers, a boy is the leader of the gang and took the soldiers to his house... who does that?
During the voyage, una pass many countries come reach Cape Verde, dem shoot person throw aboard, bit he swim, survive and found his way to 9ja with an amputated leg...
The white trafficker put you for table to skin you, you ran... he started asking himself for like 3 mins in an enclosed space, "where is he?" Until gas abi na smoke cover he face...
Abeg, make we nor over hype this movie.

Chummynoni:
Can it be watched with kids?

Nope

Ekpekus:

Nope

ok thank you.

Obagreatdatoye:
Any movie without yoruba swag in it now...is zero. To me the movie is scum

Stupid talk.

I cried because of this movie
I cry no be small

Neduzze5:
Awesome movie.... Still shocked to hear that Tekena is dead.

You mean dead in real life?

MT:


One of the very best movies that came out of Nigeria!!

This film must gather awards.

Tekena is an act in the movie. Was there a Tekena in the real world?

Best Nollywood Movie on Netflix this year in my opinion.
Only a few come close.

jubrilELsudan:
FVCK DEY THE MOVIE?

Yes.
Satisfy yourself

The movie started well, but the last quarter of the movie really really sucks. It went from being an 8.5/10 to a 5/10.

I won't remember for long.

Acidosis:
It's a 5.5/10 for me.

Nigerian directors need to know how to audition "white" actors. They always go for the worst of the very worst. Those white South African dudes ruined the movie with their wack acting. If you can't afford A list Hollywood folks, stick to pan African.

Abbey's acting is also below par. He's one of the lead actors. I expected more.

Abbey? He tried

Ekpekus:

I will rate it a 5 (that's being generous)
It reeks something that is unreal...
Klinge a soldier and one of the men caught(the father of the girl) told the soldiers, a boy is the leader of the gang and took the soldiers to his house... who does that?
During the voyage, una pass many countries come reach Cape Verde, dem shoot person throw aboard, bit he swim, survive and found his way to 9ja with an amputated leg...
The white trafficker put you for table to skin you, you ran... he started asking himself for like 3 mins in an enclosed space, "where is he?" Until gas abi na smoke cover he face...
Abeg, make we nor over hype this movie.

I like the movie but that Igor searching for someone in an enclosed room... maybe na Oyin jazz am with water spirit. In Naija film no peace for the wicked 😂😂😂

jubrilELsudan:
FVCK DEY THE MOVIE?

Funny na even doggy style ooo 😜

Chummynoni:
Can it be watched with kids?

No.

Flashes of nudity & sex.

freshboi88:
Movie is 4.5/10 to me because the lead guy looks like a baby who just crossed through puberty, having him square off against that Russian bad guy who played his role perfectly didn't make sense to me.. not realistic

Why didn't they get someone who can play the lover boy and tough boy role and would easily fit into both roles without looking out of place.

BTW, the girl in the movie is really pretty, she should grace our screens alot more. As for that adolescent lover boy this should be his last movie.


I just hated the guy, his looks, his role, come match him and that fine girl...dem no match at all. Plus you come thief person daughter for house, u no even see her dead body carry come back.

I didn't hate him.

But I share all your other sentiments completely.