‘Living In Bondage: Breaking Free’ is a Good Start from Where Its Predecessor Left Off
VANESSA OBIOHA
Cinemas in Lekki. In the usual Nollywood première glam, the event was attended by well-heeled Nollywood stakeholders like Femi Odugbemi, Kunle Afolayan, showbiz celebrities and fans of the film industry who clinked glasses, pat backs and posed for the cameras on the red carpet.
The screening hall beamed with expectant faces who were eager to see if the film met expectations.
‘Breaking Free’ is centered on Nnamdi Okeke (Swanky JKA), a struggling startup entrepreneur with no knowledge of his paternal lineage. In his quest for greener pastures, he crosses paths with Obinna Omego (Enyinna Nwigwe), who eventually helps advance his business through his connects.
In the grand scheme of things, Nnamdi and Obinna share a common past of having their fathers belong to a clandestine group that soon evolves into The Six. Although, Nnamdi’s father, — Andy Okeke (Kenneth Okonkwo) in the original story — had renounced his allegiance to the occult group and turned to God, nemesis comes knocking in the form of Richard Williams (Ramsey Nouah), an occult grandmaster who seeks Nnamdi’s soul by offering him the fine things of life.
The 2019 version is not a major departure from the original. It mirrors the plot pattern of its predecessor that was schemed to get Andy to be part of the cult group. This same pattern was applied for luring Nnamdi in, but with a subtle touch through Williams’ deceptive approach. Another way it bears semblance was by retaining actors from the original to continue in their roles, thus making it easy for catch-up regardless of whether or not the viewer is familiar with the original. To a degree, this approach helps in reducing the bias that may have developed from internalising the first two films.