There is one thing you cannot deny. Nollywood movies tell good stories. This superpower dates back to the earliest times of the Nigerian film industry. Even when Nollywood was not yet Nollywood, when Nigerian films were nothing more than plays by performing travellers, we told good stories. Chinaza Onuzo is one of the best screenwriters in Nollywood. After giving us gems like The Arbitration and The Set Up, he now gives us Love is War.
What is it about?
Love is War looks at the lives of the Phillips, a politically powerful couple. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips must compete against each other when it is announced that they are both candidates in the upcoming governorship elections of their home state. After watching the trailer, it’s safe to assume this film will focus on the strengths and weaknesses of the relationship between the Phillips. How much of an effect will their work have on their love? Are their political aspirations more important to them than the life they have built together? If their love is able to survive the battlefield of politics, what is it that makes their bond so strong?
In the early scenes of the trailer, things are calm as they both set out on their respective campaign trails, but things soon begin to deteriorate. In one of the closing scenes, Mr. and Mrs. Phillips are confronted by their daughter. As always, we’ll have to watch the film to find out all the juicy details.
Who is in it?
Richard Mofe-Damijo and Omoni Oboli play the main characters. They are husband and wife in this film. Omoni Oboli is Hankuri Phillips, the fierce and ambitious wife who has worked hard to get to where she is. She is convinced she is the best candidate for the post of Governor. Richard Mofe-Damijo is Dimeji Phillips, a man who is just as stubborn and as ambitious as his wife. Other members of the cast include Shaffy Bello, Toke Makinwa, Jide Kosoko, Akin Lewis, Uzor Osimkpa, Femi Branch, Yemi Blaq, Bimbo Manuel, William Benson and Damilare Kuku.
Why you should watch it
The storyline of this film looks at the effects of ambition on relationships and family life from a very interesting angle. In recent years, there has been more and more encouragement for women to break traditional social constructs. Today, it is extraordinary for a woman to be a mother, wife, and business executive. But how do all these roles combine? And what happens when, for example, there is a conflict between being a wife and a go-getter? With Nigerian feminism at the height of bloom, this story could not have come at a better time. I suspect that, if it is successfully pulled off by the cast and production crew, the storyline of Love is War will spark many intelligent conversations. Don’t miss out on the gist.
Love is War was co-produced by Inkblot Productions and Omoni Oboli’s media company, Dioni Visions Entertainment. It’s out in cinemas today! So what do you think? Is this a film you think you’ll enjoy?
Sources
ThisDay Live
Pulse NG
Filmhouse NG
Genesis Cinema
Featured image source: Vanguard News