Nigerians can make good, well directed films that don't have to sacrifice the "Nigerian" factor. Already we have an audience in many African countries and in the Carribbean. All that we need is one movie producer that will produce the PERFECT Nollywood movie which will change the game. None has met this so far.  

Issakaba would have been an example save for poor movie quality and direction.

I'm guessing her accent and "Nigerian" carriage  is what is bothering you, right?

It's all relative - I don't think  most Hollywood actors (including the really good ones) will render the same depth as Nigerian actors in a well made Nigerian movie for Nigerians.

Also vice versa.

The same way Nollywood and Hollywood would suck in acting as Hindus in a Bollywood movie with Bollywood mannerisms and vice versa.

Ditto for Korean dramas.

Some acting methods are heavily rooted in cultures that may be out of reach for talented actors who are unfamiliar with them.

Hollywood is the most successful of all the movie industries and it easy to mistake the inability to fit into Hollywood as lacking talent.

coogar:

i dread to see a nigerian actress in an american movie.
when i heard genevieve might be a bond girl in the next bond movie, my heart froze!

make una nor dey deceive unaselves - we still have a long way to go.
don't you feel embarrassed when you see omotola acting the role of a secondary school student?

abegggi, our opinions would always differ.
i can separate the chaff from the wheat!

coogar:


psychopathic?
i thought he was outstanding in that movie. his best acting in my opinion in over 2000 of his movies i have seen.
for the first time, i saw a naija movie that was well plotted, well produced and the story delivered straight to the point.
it was original too! never seen that sorta blackmail before - not even in james hadley chase books.

It was a compliment. His character was a sociopath who could care less about anyone else but himself and he acted that role well.

@Omar22 White actors have a higher chance of winning Oscars than their Black counterparts. Chiwetel and Adewale Akinnuoye are examples of actors that, if Hollywood were black run, would have won or be nominated for Oscars at some point (even if for supporting roles at best).  

The Oscars generally is not a good tool to measure talent in actors of color.

Angela Basset hasn't won an oscar, but Jennifer Hudson and Hally Berry have. Come on now.  

coogar:

ramsey nouah's best movie by a country mile.
i never liked him but in that movie, he was outstanding.

what's the title of that movie again?

I think it's Passionate Appeal. Yeah it was an interesting movie. He was really psychopathic in that one .

tpia@:



i can imagine

i saw a clip once of ramsey noah in what was supposed to be a love scene.

the bed was moving and that's about it.

two logs of wood were somewhere on top of it, but i cant say for sure if they were moving the bed or the bed was moving them.

anyway, nothing spoil.

hollywood is there to spice up that angle.

Did you watch the one where he made love to Rita Edochie with a camera man video taping in the bedroom wardrobe for blackmailing purposes?

The sounds coming from Rita Edochie were hilarious.

There was a 4 year lapse between the first Harry potter book release (1997) and the first Harry Potter Movie (2001).

In that time the books already published were huge hits selling millions of copies. Kids books were not typically big time bestsellers then but she changed the game.

ThiefOfHearts:

abeg No be the same JK that was living in her CAR before the book became successful. Im sure even if the book wasnt such a massive success, she would have made the same rules.

Freesia:

absolutely !! That first book on it's own gave her enough power to make decisions that directors would normally make on behalf of a writer

Yeah - Per Wiki http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Potter the HP series has sold close to half a billion copies. Not sure if Adichie will ever exert an influence that JK's success will implicitly carry.

JK Rowling commanded much more respect at the time of the First Harry Potter movie than any author in the world ever will.

How many tens of millions of copies did the series sell anyway? 


Chimamanda's novel was not a bestseller although it did very well in literary circles - I'm not sure that placing her and Rowling at the same fame level is a good idea.

stillwater:

Yeah Genny was good in Emerald, but I have to agree with Sisi on the lovemaking scenes she's been in, she looks mechanical. Nollywood actresses don't know how to seduce anyway. Genny is good acting the bossy female without coming across as overdoing it. But her intimate scenes are terrible.

Love scenes are the toughest to direct. Seeing as Nigerian movies are bad anyway it's no wonder that Nollywood love scenes are tragic  

Sagamite:

You are a bloody liar!

What about Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, Jenny McCarthy and Paris Hilton?

Racist trying to disparage our own black brothers and sisters awards.

Working for the whiteman to bring us down.

Yeah they sure are Authentic actresses

Sagamite:

She was nominated for several awards for her role in Crash including NAACP.

Even if she mashes up igbo accent, frankly, most of the people that matter (audiences in Western cinema) will not have a clue or give a shyt.

If she was nominated then it was more for the political underpinnings in the movie than her talent (much more lol).

But you're right, the average western viewer wouldn't give a toss about her accent or any of the nuances that would make the movie authentic.

I think a lot of people don't find her that good of an actress though.

ThiefOfHearts:

That is what Chiwetel is for.

Can any of you even name a movie Thandie has been in?   Im quite sure I know whether or not she's actually talented more than those in this thread.

Honestly though - I think she will give a cringe-worthy performance. Kinda like how she was in Crash (HORRIBLE African American accent). Ah well, let's see how things go.

I have a feeling that the actors won't lend an authenticity that Nigerians can identify with. However, as Nigerians are not the main audience I can't see how this will bother the producers.

Sisi_Kill:

Yep, one of the best!! Checkmate being the very best!!

No Karma, it's the writers and directors who make her one dimensional. They capitalize on her beauty at the expense of her talent. Give her a meaty role and you will be amazed at what she can do with it.

Someone like Regina Askia whose beauty can be polarizing on screen is better suited for Soap Opera because it gives the audience the chance to get used to her beauty, look past it and get into her character.

This is the situation for most Nollywood actors, unfortunately  .

I can think of several Nigerian actresses, however, who would have done a better job with that HIV victim role in the clip I posted.

Back to the subject of Nollywood - I wonder why no one has thought to toy with Historical Nigerian movies (not pre-colonial though. More like pre or post independence).

I mean who wouldn't want to see a thriller based on Nigeria's first coup, starring actors who will take on the roles of Nzeogwu, Balewa, Ironsi, Gowon, Ojukwu, Awolowo, IBB, etc? Controversial movies like that will sell like hotcake  

Ndipe:

He who pays the piper dictates the tune, that's the truth in most cases.

If a foreign production company is paying for the rights of this book to be adapted into a movie, then they are at liberty to cast anybody that they deem fit, in this movie. Otherwise, Nollywood could finance this project also and cast a Nigerian actress to play the lead.

Lets stop raising a storm over a teacup.

Gbam!

coogar:

these names would be on my list too, they all have excellent dictions and the elocution is perfect!
you can leave a caucasian with these ones in the movie without having to re-pronounce what they have said. that is the key!

stephanie okereke and dakore egbsuon speak very well too.

Patience actually has PERFECT diction and grasp of the English Language and puts it to effective use. She may not have a   British sounding accent but her command of English is spotless. I put this out there so that you can watch her acting skills closely after this. She has performed roles from gangstress to village woman and back - she is definitely in the top tier. But I digress.

Stephanie Okereke is meh, IMO.

@TOF I agree that Zach Orji is pretty good.

Actors and Actresses are not the problem with Nollywood. Rather it is the crew (directors, producers, script writers) who churn out utter crap.

I agree that Oge Okoye and the likes are mediocre - though I maintain that they are better performers than Regina Askia. Don't let nostalgia cloud your reasoning.

Here are some Nollywood actors who are world class in my opinion - regardless of whether they can pull off a nice British sounding Nigerian accent or not:

1. Pete Edochie
2. Olu Jacobs
3. Joke Silva
4. Onyeka Onwenu
5. Bimbo Akintola
7. Patience Ozokwor
8. Sam Dede

Really? You all think that Regina Askia is better?

ROFL

Why do people make it seem like sing-songing in a polished accent and looking "classy" = talent?

They are not the same thing!

Sisi_Kill:

Are you being facetious?  

Did you watch those clips? Are are you saying that Regina Askia is better than the others based on the videos?

coogar:

it's all about delivering quality acting devoid of sentiments. . .


so convenient to just scoop out a clip of regina askia at her bottom level. . . . .regina askia in her prime was in the early 90s not the bread n butter movies she did in the twilight of her acting career.

being polished takes precedence before talent when a nigerian actress is expected to star in a movie like "half of a yellow sun". the diction, how the words are expected to sound to be audible to the general audience is key. i really don't think ini edo, nkiru sylvanus or oge okoye have a grasp of pronouncing words.
the average american adult would have difficulty understand what these actresses are trying to say.

LMAO - ok Regina Askia at her "best:"

[flash=400,400]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENESepQG5JI[/flash]

"Mgbeke" Actresses at their worst
[flash=400,400]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyYDLU2ns-k[/flash]

Who is more convincing to you? Please be honest.

In all honesty though - the quality of film over the years in Nollywood has not shown much progress. Sad.

coogar:

thandie newton acts better than any of the nollywood actresses who delivers heaps of shyte acting on our tv sets.

i would rather have quality acting than sentiments of starring a nollywood actress in this kinda movies.
that some nigerians have decided to accept mediocrity is their own business. movie directors/producers are all about delivery quality movies and getting paid. . .
oge okoye and nkiru sylvanus are just too daft to deliver quality acting.

the only nigerian actress i would have trusted to do justice to this play is regina askia.
sadly, she's moved base to the united states.
others are just wack!

IMO she is overrated. The likes of Nkiru Sylvanus, Ini Edo and Oge Okoye are actually better actresses. Forget the whole "Mgbeke" label and ridiculous roles that they are associated with.

Regina Askia Acting:

[flash=400,400]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYF_-ByytqI[/flash]

Oge Okoye, Acting (Also see below for real and raw talent from a little girl)

[flash=400,400]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gljgeZqZLc[/flash]


Ini Edo

[flash=400,400]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1riy_ZChO70[/flash]


I think Nigerians tend to mix up qualities. Being polished is not the same as having talent - Except when it comes to Bimbo Akintola or Onyeka Onwenu, hehe.



As I said - Nigerian movie producers suck and their incompetence wastes a lot of talent.

@ Topic - the movie is a British production. While an African wrote the script and the novel it is ultimately up to the producers to decide who they want to cast. If we can blame anyone it should be the Nollywood crew for not having the financial and technical wherewithal to proceed with making this into a movie in the first place.

I would loooove genevieve nnaji to play olanna's twin sister. She would be PERFECT for the role. I can imagine her playing the aloof, chain smoking, smirking twin to the hilt.

Please cast directors (if you are reading) take note. 

Good video.


However - I have to ask why we africans allow ourselves to be played with in such a ridiculous way.

Is this indicative of weakness of character? Sometimes we have to address the 4 fingers pointing back at us when we seek to find the truth.

bobsdes:

@mpmp it hurts you huh! she's Alhaja and not like your ugly sister bleeped behind the churchwall in the name of anointing


What is wrong with marrying at 15 and escape the wrath of furnication and exploits,,,,,Christians hags marries at 35-40 after all the virtues have been tossed,slacken and worthless that is not what God wants, Yerima is right and you are astray


Sometimes somebody needs to answere fools like mpmp so u don't think you are wise, nothing but monkey!!

I don't think you should be writing the above, given the history of your posts. Just saying.

londoner:

The distrust and dislike is sickening actually. I have to say it is very raw and vicious on this site in particular.

I have lost some pride in being Nigerian through what people say here (and probably mean) each and every day. Not one day passes without sweeping negative generalisations made about whole tribes of people. That is a trait which cuts across tribes.

If it did not cut so deep, it would not still be seen every day on this site.

As someone who has not grown up in Nigeria, it is slowly making me want to withdraw from this site. There have been many times when I have read things here from all tribes which made my jaw drop in shock and my stomach turn with disgust.

It just shows just how far away from being a nation Nigeria really is and it is very unlikely we will ever get there when we refuse to lay down our swords, address past grieviances, forgive, and make steps to leave it in the past where it belongs.


To be honest I'm not sure I want to be a member on this site anymore, it does not build me up as a Nigerian, because I first came here to fraternise with Nigerians and those of Nigerian heritage.

I now see that although I have learned many things, it has also been quite damaging to the image I had of Nigerians.

It has made me realise there is something wrong with Nigerians when we come together, we can be toxic.

It  has made me very very ashamed at times.

Like you, I had joined this site to socialize with other Nigerians and be up to speed with politics, culture, entertainment and everything in-between. Nairaland has come a loooong way since when I first registered almost 7 years ago. The latent (but tolerable) level of tribalism existing then has evolved into a internet "mondo" freak show.

This site is an embarrassment to the image of Nigerians and our haters are reveling in it. But what can I say - the tribalists can keep doing what they enjoy to do. As long as you keep scoring brownie points in each debate so that you can sleep better at night, what do you care, right?


To add to what Londoner said - everyone talking about how this is the internet and that all of this is divorced from reality should wake up.  This is part of the media and the media is influential in creating reality from "entertainment." The "question" of Igbos and Yorubas hating each other in real life will be guaranteed as the rabid tribalism exhibited here will spill onto the surface (particularly among the educated class) if care is not taken. You think millions of people cannot access this forum and read as their ethnic groups are attacked by "fellow" Nigerians?


Which brings me to Seun:

It would be nice to issue a statement or address the level of hatred being allowed in this forum. You used to be very involved and almost dictatorial in keeping this site "squeaky clean." What happened? I know this site has expanded and all but there are moderators. Why don't they keep to the standard that made Nairaland what it was? They even seem to give quiet approval by giving tribalistic threads like this front page status.

@Cap28 - what is your take on the South East not aggressively joining the fuel subsidy campaign (you are igbo yourself, right?). Their reasoning is that the protests are being sponsored by Cabals who have a stake in the subsidies, that Boko Haram should be held in higher status than this fuel subsidy, that there is "Igbo Marginalization," and that there have been many times that Nigerians should have protested when they (igbos) were in trouble (civil war, killings in the North and so on) but did not.

I'm disappointed with the ethnic politics and how Igbos have played a hands-off approach to this but I want to hear your POV.

.

Mods - Please can you make this important thread make the front page?

https://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic-844236.0.html

My first front page request

I also found this comment on a Fuel Subsidy Related Video on Youtube - Can anyone from Kano verify that this is true?

Guys my friends in kano nigeria told me there is strong contigencies of american soldiers from iraq there and have been seen by many people intown and that is why they goverment put a curfew in the capital so as people wont notice thier arrival.so they so called president is a stooge to llet africom into nigeria

^^^Thank you.