Why “Living in Bondage” was rated as the highest grossing movie of 2019

I haven’t lived long enough to rigorously develop a story about the 27-year-old movie Living in Bondage, but one thing I am certain of is, I exist in the birth of it sequel.

Engulfed in my sleeping suit, a notification popped on my screen from Netflix, alas the number one trending movie in Nigeria was Living in Bondage Breaking Free. I have been a fan of Ramsey Noah for as long as I can remember Nollywood, and seeing his face on the movie pictorial was quite refreshing. I clicked on the play icon, and everything else became a story.

I heard the voice, before I saw the people. It was the voice of a child, singing a well-known lullaby in Igbo language:

“onye tiri nwa na-ebe akwa? Which is loosely translated, who beat the child that was crying?

My senses were eerie and thrilled, how can a voice of a child be this sorrowful?

But then the camera pans towards the child, who was happily playing with a doll. Where was this spooky voice coming from? can a sorrowful heart be happy at the same time?

Everything changed after the father beheads her, and I remember trolling back into my blanket, because my guard dropped, and I knew this movie was going to give me goosebumps.

Living in Bondage Break Free is the movie that authentically describe the new Nollywood, a master class that should be a benchmark for upcoming Nollywoodmovies.

 Actor Ramsey Noah and first time director has proven that multi-tasking is no herculean task once there is clarity and vision to a person’s mind. He expertly switched between directing and playing the character of Richard Williams. An enigmatic, world class billionaireand spiritual leader of the occult group known as the six. He gave a jaw breaking performance, and has exceeded my expectations unparalleled.

The importance of family was excessively proven in this movie.

Family indeed are the compass that guides us, they are the inspiration to reach a greater height and our comfort when we occasionally falter. The supports of Nnamdi’s family in the movie is everything worthy of admiration, and has proven the importance of one’s family in the journey of life. 

This movie also shines a light on the power of love. Love indeed recognizes no barriers, it jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination. Kelly and Nnamdi’s love was so precious, it was as if love never felt so good.

On the other hand, nothing is as powerful as story-telling, it has magic, and can shape one’s perception. This movie has all the element of a great story.

It has the touch of our culture, music and way of life. A great story must not always dispose one’s heritage, and it is important to tell our stories in it authentic ways without being in the shadow of it. Little wonder it became the highest grossing movie of 2019 with the gross income of N158 million.