So, the highly anticipated, multiple award-winning movie, Living In Bondage: Breaking Free, has finally been released on Netflix, for those of us who couldn't see it in the cinemas.



The movie flags off the directorial debut of Nollywood's heartthrob, Ramsey Noah, as well as introduces breakout star, Swanky JKA, to most of the cinematic audience.





The story basically picks up from where the part 1 left off, only, we are taken a little over twenty years into the future, and introduced to Nnamdi Okeke, who is the estranged son of Andy Okeke. Now, you may want to see the Part 1 of this movie, or read about it, if you haven't, so, you don't end up clueless at certain parts. Nnamdi is a hustling young man in Lagos, who is introduced to the cutthroat business world, in a rather harsh manner that forces him back to the village to regroup. It is at the village, he meets the Omego family matriarch, who invites him to their Lagos home, and basically opens the door through which Nnamdi, slips into the devil's coven.

I won't go into the nitty gritty of the entire thing, just so, you guys can watch it, but I would like to highlight certain scenes I particularly enjoyed.

Scene 1: Nnamdi goes for an interview with a potential client, while he waits for them, he conspicuously eats the akara he had gotten earlier from a roadside hawker. I liked how realistic this scene was.

Scene 2: The scene where the head of the cult group, The Six; Richard Williams (Ramsey Noah), confronts Andy Okeke (Kenneth Okonkwo) in church. The dialogue was interesting, it was basically a battle of wits and biblical knowledge.

[img]https://ocdn.eu/images/pulscms/YzM7MDA_/93420c584cc18bcc884c2f2f1228bcee.jpg[/img]

Scene 3: The scene where Nnamdi Okeke goes to Richard Williams to take back the wealth, and utters the iconic line "Paul akorokwam ihe a ofuma". It was like coming full circle, the same lines from the father, is repeated by the son. The reference to the first movie in this scene, is a brilliant addition to the script writing.


Aside the scenes, the discography was really good. In addition to the OST Album with Larry Gaga, they employed tracks from Styl Plus, Olamide and Phyno majorly. This was a brilliant stroke, it limited the number of artistes royalties would be paid to, while still serving the right tracks to each scene and maintaining the Nigerian flavor.

The settings were really cool. From the luxurious houses to the village in Owerri, even Rochas' statues got screentime. Y'all that said those statues were useless, watch the movie and apologise to Owelle

If you're a lover of cars, you will certainly enjoy a lot of scenes in this movie, because the car collection was *sigh*

Now, to the thing(s) that were a bit below par

1. The scene where Nnamdi drives Richard's Ferrari, with Richard in the passenger's seat...it was a bit too obvious it was a green screen. Aside that, the rest of the cinematography was great.

2. And this is not a sleight to Ramsey, because he did put in a commendable effort, but his Igbo was almost comical , not bad for a non-native speaker, but Shawn Faqua's was much better.


That being said, the movie in many ways, justified the rave about it, the cinematography was topnotch, there was a refreshing attention to detail, and there was an unlikely twist at the end.




Rating: A solid 7/10 for me.


If you've watched it, please drop your review and rating of the movie.

PS:

The movie was produced by PlayNetwork Studios and Steve Gukas

The scriptwriter is Nicole

And the cast include:

Jidekenne Achufusi Swanky JKA
Munachi Abii
Shawn Faqua
Enyinna Nwigwe
Ramsey Nouah
Kenneth Okonkwo
Kanayo O. Kanayo
Bob Manuel Udokwu
Nnenna Obi
Ebele Okaro
David Jone David
Zulu Adigwe
Nancy Isime
Kalu Ikeagwu and
Chuks Chyke

The movie was just there - Just another Nollywoood movie glorifying rituals that adds to the same old 'Africa as a dark continent' narrative.

I think it should have ended in part one. This part two is superfluous, overhyped and not in line with the modern realities in Nigeria. In short, it's a worn narrative and Ramsey Nuoah should have had a more challenging directorial debut than 'Living in Bondage 2'. He just rode on the glory of the previous film. Kemi Adetiba was really robbed at AMVCA.

I watched it months ago and I can't even remember anything memorable about the action, it was that bland.

Amanee:
The movie was just there - Just another Nollywoood movie glorifying rituals that adds to the same old 'Africa as a dark continent' narrative.

I think it should have ended in part one. This part two is superfluous, overhyped and not in line with the modern realities in Nigeria. In short, it's a worn narrative and Ramsey Nuoah should have had a more challenging directorial debut than 'Living in Bondage 2'. He just rode on the glory of the previous film. Kemi Adetiba was really robbed at AMVCA.

I watched it months ago and I can't even remember anything memorable about the action, it was that bland.

Nobody was robbed. It was a Voting category and a lot of KOB fans clearly failed to vote.

It is a popular narrative, but the execution is what separated it. There are no new narratives, execution is what gives a movie an edge these days; dialogue, cinematography, costuming, screenplay.

Avengers rode on a popular tale of Good v. Evil, Superheroes v. Supervillains. We all knew the heroes would win eventually, but the execution is what gave it an edge.

People tend to focus more on scenes, than the entire plot of a story. KOB plot was more complex than LIB's definitely, but Ramsey has an AMVCA in his house to prove his directorial debut was pretty decent.

safarigirl:


Nobody was robbed. It was a Voting category and a lot of KOB fans clearly failed to vote.

Best Director in AMVCA is not open to public voting.

It is a popular narrative, but the execution is what separated it. There are no new narratives, execution is what gives a movie an edge these days; dialogue, cinematography, costuming, screenplay.

Avengers rode on a popular tale of Good v. Evil, Superheroes v. Supervillains. We all knew the heroes would win eventually, but the execution is what gave it an edge.

Maybe you didn't see Avengers Infinity war

People tend to focus more on scenes, than the entire plot of a story. KOB plot was more complex than LIB's definitely, but Ramsey has an AMVCA in his house to prove his directorial debut was pretty decent.

You finally get my point @emboldened.
Thank you.

Amanee:



Best Director in AMVCA is not open to public voting.



Maybe you didn't see Avengers Infinity war




You finally get my point @emboldened.
Thank you.

Are you sure about this? I could have sworn I voted for Ramsey Nouah in that category earlier this year.

Infinity War was not the end of the story, there was an entire Universe fleshed out, that ended with the bad guy losing, they just gave it to you in parts.

Anyway, a director's work is in the execution of the story, his job is not to write the story, it is to make sure it is well played out, and Ramsey did his job very well, on that note.

The sooner some of you get over the disappointment you feel about KOB, the better you can review things. It is really nauseating, that we cannot talk about a movie in Nigeria, without you people constantly reminding us of KOB. This thread is for a review of LIB, not a comparison.

Kemi Adetiba is shooting a second part of King Of Boys, hopefully, the second part does the charm, and no other filmmaker will upstage her, but most importantly, I hope you guys that love it so much, learn how to vote.

Madam I'm very sure, that particular category (and others) is not subject to voting


The instance of Avengers Infinity War was on a lighter note. You gave your review and I gave mine. To buttress my point, I mentioned Kemi Adetiba. I don't know if you were expecting a unanimous support of your review but movies, like literature, have no right perspective. We are all right from whatever angle we're looking at it from.

I didn't enjoy LIB and I felt cheated, my own opinion, my own perspective. You enjoyed it, fine. Can we move on?

safarigirl:

Are you sure about this? I could have sworn I voted for Ramsey Nouah in that category earlier this year.

Infinity War was not the end of the story, there was an entire Universe fleshed out, that ended with the bad guy losing, they just gave it to you in parts.

Anyway, a director's work is in the execution of the story, his job is not to write the story, it is to make sure it is well played out, and Ramsey did his job very well, on that note.

The sooner some of you get over the disappointment you feel about KOB, the better you can review things. It is really nauseating, that we cannot talk about a movie in Nigeria, without you people constantly reminding us of KOB. This thread is for a review of LIB, not a comparison.

Kemi Adetiba is shooting a second part of King Of Boys, hopefully, the second part does the charm, and no other filmmaker will upstage her, but most importantly, I hope you guys that love it so much, learn how to vote.

Amanee:
Madam I'm very sure, that particular category (and others) is not subject to voting


The instance of Avengers Infinity War was on a lighter note. You gave your review and I gave mine. To buttress my point, I mentioned Kemi Adetiba. I don't know if you were expecting a unanimous support of your review but movies, like literature, have no right perspective. We are all right from whatever angle we're looking at it from.

I didn't enjoy LIB and I felt cheated, my own opinion, my own perspective. You enjoyed it, fine. Can we move on?

Okay.

I didn't enjoy KOB either. You brought it up, not me.

Sorry for your loss.

safarigirl:

Are you sure about this? I could have sworn I voted for Ramsey Nouah in that category earlier this year.

Infinity War was not the end of the story, there was an entire Universe fleshed out, that ended with the bad guy losing, they just gave it to you in parts.

Anyway, a director's work is in the execution of the story, his job is not to write the story, it is to make sure it is well played out, and Ramsey did his job very well, on that note.

The sooner some of you get over the disappointment you feel about KOB, the better you can review things. It is really nauseating, that we cannot talk about a movie in Nigeria, without you people constantly reminding us of KOB. This thread is for a review of LIB, not a comparison.

Kemi Adetiba is shooting a second part of King Of Boys, hopefully, the second part does the charm, and no other filmmaker will upstage her, but most importantly, I hope you guys that love it so much, learn how to vote.

I wont be too sure for Kemi Adetiba some competitive movies are already in the works, one is Ratnik it already won two award during the Amvca even though it not yet out. U watch the trailer on YouTube very impressive.

Amanee:
The movie was just there - Just another Nollywoood movie glorifying rituals that adds to the same old 'Africa as a dark continent' narrative.

I think it should have ended in part one. This part two is superfluous, overhyped and not in line with the modern realities in Nigeria. In short, it's a worn narrative and Ramsey Nuoah should have had a more challenging directorial debut than 'Living in Bondage 2'. He just rode on the glory of the previous film. Kemi Adetiba was really robbed at AMVCA.

I watched it months ago and I can't even remember anything memorable about the action, it was that bland.

If KOB is more intresting Dan it den no need wasting my data to download.

iamloyalty:


I wont be too sure for Kemi Adetiba some competitive movies are already in the works, one is Ratnik it already won two award during the Amvca even though it not yet out. U watch the trailer on YouTube very impressive.

I think Ratnik has been nominated before, it might not be nominated again next year, but of course, I expect a competitive lineup. These guys that did Living In Bondage are set to release a remake of Nneka The Pretty Serpent in November, and it will be directed by Ramsey once again, so, that's one thing.

I pray Kemi doesn't become a victim of her own brilliance, because the thing with second parts of most movies, is that they hardly live up to the legacy of the first part, and since everyone rates KOB so highly, a lackluster second part could be damaging.

iamloyalty:



If KOB is more intresting Dan it den no need wasting my data to download.

Download and watch and come up with your own verdict.

I enjoyed the dialogue more than I enjoyed KOB's dialogue sha.

iamloyalty:



If KOB is more intresting Dan it den no need wasting my data to download.

You may have a different view, that's just in my opinion

I just finished watching it on Netflix some few minutes ago. I think I watched the first one, but not too sure now.

The movie was good. The quality, the dialogue, the actors, etc. all knew their roles well and delivered on it.

I loved that Nnamdi's lady. Who's she? I think I've found my soul mate.

I don't know about the ending though. Felt somewhat unrealistic in my opinion.

Amanee:
The movie was just there - Just another Nollywoood movie glorifying rituals that adds to the same old 'Africa as a dark continent' narrative.

I think it should have ended in part one. This part two is superfluous, overhyped and not in line with the modern realities in Nigeria. In short, it's a worn narrative and Ramsey Nuoah should have had a more challenging directorial debut than 'Living in Bondage 2'. He just rode on the glory of the previous film. Kemi Adetiba was really robbed at AMVCA.

I watched it months ago and I can't even remember anything memorable about the action, it was that bland.

I never found the 'Wow' thing with KOB.

Up till this moment, I haven't finished watching the movie.

Anyway, it's the thing about choices.

zicoraads:
I just finished watching it on Netflix some few minutes ago. I think I watched the first one, but not too sure now.

The movie was good. The quality, the dialogue, the actors, etc. all knew their roles well and delivered on it.

I loved that Nnamdi's lady. Who's she? I think I've found my soul mate.

I don't know about the ending though. Felt somewhat unrealistic in my opinion.

I liked the ending, because it paved way for a possible continuation, and I innately enjoy the bad guy walking away, because I believe that in reality, the bad guys get away, more often than people would want to admit to.

The dialogue is one of the best parts of the movie

The Nnamdi's babe is Munachi, she was MBGN 2008.


The actors in the movie have really tried in interaction with fans, it is one of the most engaged I have seen people involved in making a movie. Ramsey likes virtually every positive tweet about the movie, there is an acknowledgment of fans beyond just taking pictures and meet&greets during the cinema viewing. Dem try.

zicoraads:

I never found the 'Wow' thing with KOB.

Up till this moment, I haven't finished watching the movie.

Anyway, it's the thing about choices.

I've watched that movie twice and the most wow thing in it for me, was the scenes where they found money inside soakaway and coffins, and even those scenes seemed a bit off to me.

A lot of people would describe the acting as melodramatic, especially from Shola. But, to each their own.

safarigirl:


I liked the ending, because it paved way for a possible continuation, and I innately enjoy the bad guy walking away, because I believe that in reality, the bad guys get away, more often than people would want to admit to.

The dialogue is one of the best parts of the movie

The Nnamdi's babe is Munachi, she was MBGN 2008.


The actors in the movie have really tried in interaction with fans, it is one of the most engaged I have seen people involved in making a movie. Ramsey likes virtually every positive tweet about the movie, there is an acknowledgment of fans beyond just taking pictures and meet&greets during the cinema viewing. Dem try.

Yeah, I also love the bit about the bad guy walking away. But the blogger bit is what I felt was somewhat somehow. Erm, I don't know. I just felt that bit was 'off.' Don't ask me why, I don't know.

Oh, thanks. I better run off and start 'toasting' her then.

Watching Nigerian film in 2020?

Amanee:

You may have a different view, that's just in my opinion

is the occult part much cos am not a fan of occult?

safarigirl:

Download and watch and come up with your own verdict.
I enjoyed the dialogue more than I enjoyed KOB's dialogue sha.

Is the occult part much?

safarigirl:


I think Ratnik has been nominated before, it might not be nominated again next year, but of course, I expect a competitive lineup. These guys that did Living In Bondage are set to release a remake of Nneka The Pretty Serpent in November, and it will be directed by Ramsey once again, so, that's one thing.

I pray Kemi doesn't become a victim of her own brilliance, because the thing with second parts of most movies, is that they hardly live up to the legacy of the first part, and since everyone rates KOB so highly, a lackluster second part could be damaging.

I thought the director for Nneka is different from what I saw on their Twitter handle. As for KoB 2, am already scared for Kemi but let's wait and see.

iamloyalty:


is the occult part much cos am not a fan of occult?

It's basically what the movie is about

Amanee:


It's basically what the movie is about

Is a no for me then, leme look forward to other releases of the year. Tanks.

Plead:
Watching Nigerian film in 2020?

. Nollywood cinema movies are picking up not the asaba movies o.

iamloyalty:


Is the occult part much?

Nah, just two or three scenes.

It probably has the fewest occult scenes I've seen in any occult movies

If you want to watch it, watch, if not, don't. There are a thousand reasons to watch and a thousand not to watch, depending on who you ask. I've watched it twice, and once was even by 2 AM, and I slept very fine.

If you ask me, I would tell you not to watch King Of Boys, because I don't like the movie at all. Same way that lady keeps discouraging you from watching Living In Bondage, she doesn't like the movie.

Amanee:



It's basically what the movie is about

that was not the question.

Are the occult parts much? No

I don't know what movie you watched, but the occult parts were not much. I'm starting to think it was the part 1 you watched.

Amanee:
The movie was just there - Just another Nollywoood movie glorifying rituals that adds to the same old 'Africa as a dark continent' narrative.

I think it should have ended in part one. This part two is superfluous, overhyped and not in line with the modern realities in Nigeria. In short, it's a worn narrative and Ramsey Nuoah should have had a more challenging directorial debut than 'Living in Bondage 2'. He just rode on the glory of the previous film. Kemi Adetiba was really robbed at AMVCA.

I watched it months ago and I can't even remember anything memorable about the action, it was that bland.

And you think they don't do money rituals till date? The movie mirrored the reality of Nigeria not some glorified fictitious movies that doesn't add value or educate the public.

Plead:
Watching Nigerian film in 2020?

Nollywood is improving. Learn to value your own before someone does it for you and then take the glory

zicoraads:

I loved that Nnamdi's lady. Who's she? I think I've found my soul mate.

That's Munachi, her moniker is palmwinetapper on nairaland.

safarigirl:
Nah, just two or three scenes.

It probably has the fewest occult scenes I've seen in any occult movies

If you want to watch it, watch, if not, don't. There are a thousand reasons to watch and a thousand not to watch, depending on who you ask. I've watched it twice, and once was even by 2 AM, and I slept very fine.

If you ask me, I would tell you not to watch King Of Boys, because I don't like the movie at all. Same way that lady keeps discouraging you from watching Living In Bondage, she doesn't like the movie.

I am nobody's fan am just a fan of good works.
KOB is one of the best Nigeria movies so far, I have watched it up to 10times. As for LIB I might just try whenever I feel like since am not a fan of occult. Let look forward to other movies.

iamloyalty:


I am nobody's fan am just a fan of good works.
KOB is one of the best Nigeria movies so far, I have watched it up to 10times. As for LIB I might just try whenever I feel like since am not a fan of occult. Let look forward to other movies.

Ok....if it's not your genre, you shouldn't bother watching, to be honest. I watch everything, as long as it's Nigerian, then, determine how good it is after seeing it.

I've watched KOB twice, not a fan.

I saw LIB few days ago and I'm super impressed.
Nice acting and I love the fact that the lead character isn't a familiar face, yet he acted so well.

I also noticed the green screen in the Ferrari scene apart from that the graphics are nice.

I also feel that KOB is overrated I have lots of reasons.