Living in Bondage: Breaking Free Movie Review

When I first heard about the sequel “Living in bondage: Breaking free”, I thought…

“Is the storyline going to be any different?”

What is it going to be? My oh my, It’s hyped! But is it worth the hype? Yes, it’s definitely worth the hype.

Thought provoking. Realistic. Strong acting. Must see. These are the adjectives that best describe the blockbuster which peaks at number 1 on Netflix chart.

Two decades after the release of the classic, “Living in bondage“, the sequel sees Andy Okeke (Kenneth Okonkwo) abandoning the cult and becoming an ordained minister of God. The cult which is now known as the brotherhood or the six has spread out into an international organisation with members of different nationalities. The old is very well represented with the presence of the original characters like Chief Omego (Kanayo O. Kanayo), Chief Mike (Bob Manuel Udokwu) and Andy Okeke (Kenneth Okonkwo). Here, Chief Omego is running for the next governor of Imo State.

Living in bondage: Breaking free centres on Andy Okeke’s son- Nnamdi Okeke(Swanky JKA), an advertiser who will stop at nothing to make it big. He is soon lured into the world of the rich, influential and powerful by the business tycoon, Richard Williams (Ramsey Nouah) who happens to be the head of the brotherhood, also known as the Six. Soon after initiation, Nnamdi is thrown into a world of opulence and falling in love with Kelly (Munachi Abii), but there’s a price to be paid for this new life. Like it’s said… Nothing goes for nothing.

Swanky JKA

David Jones plays the role of Uzoma, the investigative journalist and blogger who is bent on bringing down the brotherhood, right after discovering his brother-in-law Obinna killed his own wife and daughter who happens to his sister and niece. David tries adopting a Hollywood film character but isn’t quite adept at it. If not for the wads of paper and pictures attached to the board, David could pass for a psychotic junkie.
Having being part of the evil syndicate, Andy uses Uzoma’s influence to warn his son and rescue him from the cult before it’s too late.

David Jones David

You can’t but love the chemistry between Nnamdi and Toby (Shawn Faqua). They definitely serve the brother relationship goals. One scene that stands out is when Toby bashed the car.

“You didn’t bashed the car”, we did. Nnamdi tells him.

The powerful storyline detailing the untold, gruesome stories of the activities of money rithalists is simply apt!

Breaking free should be applauded for its sound. You could be carried away and be drawn back in by the prevailing sound which gives a hint of what’s next.

The infusion of the Igbo language pays credence to the rich cultural heritage. It’s a pure delight seeing actors converse in Igbo. The constant transitioning between English and Igbo didn’t feel out of place. From the Igbo songs to the Igbo conversations to the Catholic Church, sibling banter and music, Ndi Igbo is well portrayed.

Most movies are flaw-ridden, Breaking free is no exception. One flaw that catches the eye is the age of Richard Williams. He’s still the same person twenty seven years ago. How come he look so young after all these years? Is he some sort of vampire? Guess the blood sucking is responsible for the young look.

You know there are some scenes that just keeps you ‘WOWED’. Here’s the stand-out scenes:

The opening scene which sets the tone for the movie.

A car is seen driving through a bush path with a little girl singing an eerie Igbo folk song in the back-seat. The car comes to a halt and the driver is revealed to be Obinna Omego (son of Chief Omego). He has driven his daughter to the forest with promise to show her a waterfall. He tells her to close her eyes in anticipation of the surprise and off her head goes- he beheads her. That scene gives an inkling of what the movie is about. In successive scenes, her spirit torments Obinna thus leading to his death at the end.

Obinna Omego

Another scene which is outstanding is the church scene where the two arch enemies (Richard and Andy) trade bible verses. Richard is the devil that quotes the Bible amidst lines of The Godfather.

“That quote says ‘should bow’ not ‘shall bow’. Meaning it may or may not happen.

At a point, it seems like a scene in a Hollywood movie. Richard’s performance reminds one of Al Pacino as John Milton/Satan in 1997’s The Devil’s Advocate. Here, Richard is seen wielding his dark powers.

Kenneth Okonkwo Ramsey Nouah

How can you not love Richard Williams?

Richard Williams (Ramsey Nouah), the enigmatic multibillionaire is quite a stand-out act, who waltzes through the film as if he is a ballerina on a stage. Well spruced up, having lines drip with humour and non-chalance, Ramsey Nouah sure brings his A-game on. His unchanging demeanor and ablilty not to sweat the small stuff makes one wonder if  he’s human.

“Did you hear about Obinna?” Nnamdi asks

“These things happen,” he answers while pouring drinks as if the death by suicide of a close associate is an everyday occurrence.

Drink in hand and Cuban Monte Cristo cigar in mouth, no situation can make him lose his cool. Richard reeks power and mystery. Not much is known about his background, where he’s from or if he has superiors.

At the end of it all, Nnamdi realises there’s a price for affluence, meanwhile some members of the Brotherhood have been exposed and Richard is still at large.

Breaking Free suggests there’ll be another sequel. The mystery is still very much alive. Has Nnamdi paid the price already? Is Richard still coming for him? Where is Richard going? Is he fleeing or going on a trip? So many questions to be answered.
From the storyline to cinematography to soundtracks and cast, the movie still relays same message depicted by the classic.

All in all, Living in bondage: breaking free is worth the watch. The morale of the story still stands- Never go into money ritual!

Living in Bondage Breaking Free’ is streaming on Netflix.

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