Technology evolves every minute and it is quite visible in the quality of movies being produced year in and out. Yet, some Nollywood movies from the past have stood the test of time and, these movies are still evergreen in all ramifications. If we talk about their storyline, production, acting skills, they tick all the boxes.
Here are our top 5 evergreen movies that have stood the test of time:
Thunderbolt
Produced by: Tunde Kilani
Directed by: Tunde Kelani
Year produced: 2001
Screen time: 105 minutes
Written by: Adebayo Faleti (a book titled Magun)
Adapted for screenplay by: Femi Kayode
Starring: Lanre Balogun, Uche Osotule, Ngozi Nwosu, Bukky Ajayi
Language: Igbo and Yoruba
From being lovers who fell in love during their National Youth Service scheme (NYSC) to being married; Ngozi and Yinka’s marriage faced several down moments due to Yinka’s incessant jealousy. It was this jealousy that prompted him to lace Ngozi with “Magun.” This chastity control (Magun) put Ngozi at a big risk. See how she turned tides in the movie, Thunderbolts.
Saworoide
Produced by: Tunde Kelani, Yemi Shodimu
Directed by: Tunde Kelani
Year produced: 1999
Screen time: 105 minutes
Written by: Akinwunmi Isola
Music by: Orlando Julius
Starring: Kunle Kola Oyewo, Bukky Wright, Lere Paimo, Larinde Akinleye, Peter Fatomilola, Kunle Bamtefa, Adebayo Faleti, Kayode Olaiya, Doyin Hassan
Language: Yoruba
This classic movie’s plot is centred around the Jogbo Kingdom. It tells a story of how the newly elected king, Lapite, tried to cheat the process and embody the garments of corruption. The movie is classified as a satire as it touches on some societal occurrences including political woes of the leaders since after our independence. “Agogo Ewo is the sequel that zooms in on the downfall of Lapite.
Diamond Ring
Produced by: Tade Ogidan
Directed by: Tade Ogidan
Year produced: 1998
Screen time: 96 minutes
Written by: Tade Ogidan
Starring: Teju Babyface, Bukky Ajayi, Bimbo Akintola, Tunji Bamishigbin, Liz Benson, Richard Mofe-Damijo
Language: English
Chidi, a young vibrant freshman in the university, rode the wave of his newly experienced freedom recklessly. After he is convinced to join a secret cult, to seal his acceptance, he is tasked to steal a diamond ring from a corpse. He was successful in stealing the ring but all hell broke loose.
Living In Bondage
Produced by: Ken Nnebue
Directed by: Chris Obi Rapu
Year produced: 1992 and 1993
Screen time: 163 minutes
Written by: Kenneth Nnebue, Okechukwu Ogunjiofor
Starring: Kenneth Okonkwo, Nnenna Nwabueze, Okechukwu Ogunjiofor, Francis Agu, Bob-Manuel Udokwu
Language: English and Igbo
A little patience was all Andy needed yet, he entered a deal with Lucifer himself. Trust Lucifer to request for his precious jewel, Merit, who has shown Andy nothing but love and support. Merit suspected her husband’s betrayal so she placed a curse on him before her death. Nuw, Andy must face the tune that comes with his ill gotten wealth.
Osuofia in London
Produced by: Kingsley Ogoro, Kola Munis
Directed by: Kingsley Ogoro
Year produced: 1992 and 1993
Screen time: 105 minutes
Written by: Kola Munis, Emeka Obiakonwa, Kingsley Ogoro
Starring: Nkem Owoh, Mara Derwent
Language: English and Igbo
This comedy themed movie is centred around Osuofia (Nkem Owoh), who was made a sole beneficiary of a huge estate by his now late brother, Donatus. Osuofia journeyed to London to meet his late brother’s wife, Samantha, who will have to understand and adapt to Nigeria’s culture.
What will you be watching this weekend?
