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In 2022, it would not be out of place to say Nollywood, the world’s second largest film industry with an annual output of nearly 2,500 films, saw more diversity in the movie industry than in previous years. Untold African stories, indigenous romantic films, gripping thriller series, and well-executed action films dominated the market, with a range of new actors bringing these films to life.
Although the industry has not evaded its problems. It’s still miles ahead of where it used to be, with Nollywood filmmakers paying attention to telling Nigerian stories better from a Nigerian point of view while ensuring that the movies rival the Hollywood standards with quality cinematography and well-put-together costume designs.
With this in mind, here are the best Nollywood movies we saw in 2022.
Blood Sisters
When the love of your life becomes a monster, it’s only a matter of time before one of you gets hurt. But Sarah Duru (Ini Dima-Okojie) had Kemi (Nancy Isime), who stood as a companion through her predicament. But at what cost? Freedom.
The story centres around two best friends who became fugitives after Sarah’s husband disappears on their wedding day. The story touches on friendships and highlights pertinent matters like domestic abuse, parental abuse, love, and drug abuse.
Blood Sisters particularly stands out for its costume design by Yolanda Okereke, its storytelling, and its acting, especially from actors like Nancy Isime, Genoveva Umeh, Deyemi Okanlawon, Gabriel Afolayan, and more.
The Griot
Set in Abeokuta, specifically in a small town, Wasinmi, located in Ewekoro local government in Ogun state, The Griot tells the story of a storyteller Sanmi (Temiloluwa Fosudo). Sanmi earns popularity in his village with stories from his shy best friend, Lakunle (Adedimeji Lateef) but ruins the arrangement because of his love interest.
The Griot explores a romantic indigenous story with a western concept while imploring the use of top actors and applaudable cinematography to deliver its message against greed.
Anikulapo
Greed can do lots of things to a man. It can turn a thriving and successful person in the society into the last man on the food chain if allowed to take control fully – and that’s what greed does to Saro (Kunle Remi) in Anikulapo.
The film tells the story of Saro (Kunle Remi) Alaso Ofi, who had an illicit affair with Queen Arolake (Bimbo Ademoye), which led to his banishment from Oyo and his eventual death. He was, however, woken from death by a mythical Akala bird Arolake stole a gourd from, giving Saro the power to resurrect the dead through the gourd stolen.
This action earned him the name Aníkúlápó.
Anikulapo stands out for its use of elements of Yoruba culture, design and the storytelling.
Man Of God
This is a modern Nigerian twist to the story of the prodigal son with Samuel (Akah Nnani) swearing to run far away from home after he was whipped on multiple occasions by his pastor father for his disinterest in religion and the church.
Man Of God encourages conversations on how religion is a personal decision rather than a bandwagon effect, regardless of excessive efforts. The producers explore the themes of love, religion, vices, and more. The Bolanle Austen-Peters movie stands out for its cinematography and acting by Akah Nnani and Osas Ighodaro.
Diiche
When the spiritual intercepts the physical – things are bound to go wrong. Diiche tells the story of an A-list actress who becomes a prime suspect in a high-profile murder investigation over the death of Nnamdi, her fiancé. As the search for Nnamdi’s killer kicks off, Diiche tries to prove her innocence as she navigates her diabolical problems.
Diiche is one of the most well-written Nigerian thriller series in 2022. It stands among the greats with its storytelling, cinematography, use of language, and actors, especially fast-rising actress Uzoamaka Onuoha.
King of Thieves
In a partnership between Niyi Akinmolayan’s Anthill Studios and Femi Adebayo’s Euphoria 360, a Nigerian epic movie is produced, with details given to the Yoruba culture and casting of great actors like Odunlade Adekola and Femi Adebayo.
King of Thieves tells the tale of Agesinkole (Femi Adebayo), a thief that terrorises the fictional town of Ajeromi during the reign of Oba Adegbite (Odunlade Adekola). The land of Ajeromi was boisterous and prosperous until a powerful bandit and terrorist came to their land, which put the king in a bad state and led him to employ the powers of hunters, witches, and wizards to rid his land of evil.
Brotherhood
Before Brotherhood hit the cinemas, fans of action films were excited with its snippet alone. The thriller film focuses on twin brothers Akin (Tobi Bakre) and Wale (Falz), who lost their parents growing up. While Wale went on to seek a job as a detective, Akin became a criminal, which led to a final face off between both extremes of the law.
The film shines for its realistic depictions and cinematography. The acting was top notch, with actors like OC Ukeje, Tobi Bakre, and Falz giving their best performance while outside their comfort zones.
Crime & Justice Lagos
Lagos is one chaotic place to live in, and Showmax’s Crime & Justice Lagos perfectly captures that with well-written crime stories, well-executed stunts, and cinematography in every episode of the series.
The series, which is still ongoing, explores the activities of the fictional Serious and Special Crimes Unit (SSCU) headed by its charismatic boss, Deputy Commissioner of Police Femi Biboye (William Benson). The elite team of top detectives led by Superintendent Kelechi ‘KC’ Farasin (Folu Storms) and Superintendent Danladi Dikko (Jammal Ibrahim) simply fight crime in Lagos.
Elesin Oba, The King’s Horseman
Culture is backward to the man that doesn’t understand its origin. Elesin Oba simply had to die with the king because he has lived all his life with that purpose.
With great acting, costume, and storytelling, Elesin Oba tells the story of Elesin, the king’s horseman, who is to perform a ritual suicide to accompany the king on his journey to the afterlife. However, he couldn’t complete his duty due to unavoidable circumstances that led to a sequence of unfortunate events.
The movie directed by the late Biyi Bandele is one that boasts of good dialogue, cinematography, cultural representation, and storytelling.
Glamour Girls
Filmmakers worldwide make remakes all the time but do these remakes do justice to the original versions? That exact question is what made rounds on social media after the film’s release.
Glamour Girls tells a story of escorts and how they navigate their relationships. Although there were some confusing parts, it had one of the best visuals on Nigerian TV in 2022. The Nollywood film also boasts of great casting, especially with Nse Ikpe-Etim giving the film her best. The costume and design were one of the best parts of this film, and Damola Adeyemi and Dami Oke did a great job.
The post Top 10 Nollywood Movies Of 2022 appeared first on Nigerian Entertainment Today.
Source: TheNet
