Feeling nostalgic or eager for a journey through the past? Revisiting old memories can be a pleasant experience.
Reflecting on the early days of Nollywood might give you pause—how did we find enjoyment in those early productions? Thankfully, there were some gems with lasting appeal that had us renting CDs and rushing to our neighbors’ homes to catch our favorite shows. Such modest beginnings!
Today, we’re diving into various genres—romance, adventure, comedy. Buckle up as we take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of Nollywood’s standout films from the 1990s.
1. Suicide Mission (1998)
One of Fred Amata’s early works, Suicide Mission explores the dark side of supernatural influence. Directed by Fred Amata and produced by Sunny Collins, the film follows Monique, a scheming woman who resorts to dark magic to ensnare a married man.
Her methods include fasting and casting her underwear into the sea to gain control over him. The plot intensifies as Monique manipulates her target, leading to tragic consequences for his family. Eventually, she meets a grim fate and becomes a deranged street woman in need of supernatural rescue.
Cast: Richard Mofe-Damijo, Regina Askia, Ameze Imarhiagbe, Obot Etuk, Patrick Doyle, Peter Bunor Jr.
2. Igodo: The Land of the Living Dead (1999)
Igodo offers a unique Nigerian adventure experience. The film centers around a village plagued by malevolent spirits.
The villagers embark on a quest to retrieve a powerful sword from an evil forest to combat these dark forces. Directed by Andy Amenechi and produced by Don Pedro Obaseki, the story follows Igodo’s perilous journey as he returns alone from the forest.
Cast: Sam Dede, Pete Edochie, Norbert Young, Charles Okafor, James Uche, Ignis Ekwe, Obi Madubogwu, Chidi Mokeme, Joe Layode.
3. Scores to Settle (1998)
Known for its portrayal of suffering and hardship, Scores to Settle dives into the life of a widow, Sade, who faces severe adversity after her husband’s death.
Directed by Chico Ejiro, the film depicts Sade’s struggle with rejection, poverty, and hunger as she and her two sons navigate a harsh reality.
Cast: Richard Mofe-Damijo, Liz Benson, Omotola Jalade, Rich Azu, Teco Benson, Patrick Doyle.
4. Chain Reaction (1999)
Chain Reaction is noted for its somber soundtrack, featuring the line, “In this world, you reap what you sow,” sung by Stanley Okorie.
Directed by Ndubuisi Okoh, the film follows Eucharia, who, despite being married to a calm man, stirs up constant drama and arguments. Her behavior adds a layer of complexity to her character.
Cast: Pete Edochie, Liz Benson, Onyeka Onwenu, Rita Edochie, Tom Njemanze, Pete Ene, Chinedu Ikedieze, Klint Da Drunk, Ernest Asuzu, Chika Anyanwu.
5. Mortal Inheritance (1996)
Mortal Inheritance stands out for addressing sickle cell anemia with sensitivity and realism. Produced by Zeb Ejiro, directed by Andy Amenechi, and written by Bond Emeruwa, this romantic drama tells the story of a woman living with sickle cell anemia who defies the odds and falls in love with a man who also carries the trait. The film also explores cultural resistance to inter-ethnic marriages in Nigeria.
Cast: Fred Amata, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Kunle Bamtefa.
6. Died Wretched (1997)
Nollywood has its share of tales about the disparity between a person’s life and death. Died Wretched tells the story of a man who lives in poverty but is buried in a lavish casket by his wealthy nephew after his death.
Written and directed by Kenneth Nnebue, this film offers a poignant look at the contrasts between wealth and poverty.
Cast: Eucharia Anunobi, Tina Amuziam, Moses Ajayi, John Paul Nwadike, Tony Umez.
Don’t miss out, check out other Nollywood movie extensive reviews on NollyReports.