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Living in Bondage: Breaking Free is a 2019 Nigerian psychological thriller directed by Ramsey Nouah and produced by Charles Okpaleke. The film serves as a sequel to the groundbreaking 1992 Nollywood classic Living in Bondage, a film often credited with pioneering the Nigerian video film industry and setting the stage for the rise of Nollywood as a global film industry.
The movie follows Nnamdi (played by Kenneth Okonkwo), the son of the original Living in Bondage protagonist, who unknowingly becomes ensnared in the same dark and supernatural forces that plagued his father years ago. Nnamdi is a young man driven by a desire for wealth, power, and success, but in his pursuit of these goals, he unwittingly joins a secret cult that practices black magic.
As his ambitions grow, Nnamdi finds himself facing both psychological and supernatural challenges. He begins to experience terrifying consequences as his life unravels, and he starts to uncover shocking truths about his family’s sinister history. The film explores powerful themes such as the price of ambition, guilt, and the quest for redemption, shedding light on the dangerous consequences of meddling with dark forces.
Living in Bondage: Breaking Free rejuvenated the Living in Bondage franchise, merging nostalgia for fans of the original film with modern cinematic techniques. The film marked Ramsey Nouah’s directorial debut, and it was well-received for its gripping narrative, intriguing performances, and its modern take on the supernatural themes of the original.
Living in Bondage: Breaking Free became one of the biggest Nigerian films of 2019, garnering attention for its success both locally and internationally. The film’s strong performances, particularly from Kenneth Okonkwo and Kanayo O. Kanayo, were widely praised, and the movie’s exploration of contemporary issues in Nigerian society struck a chord with audiences.
With its thrilling plot, modern production values, and nods to the original classic, Living in Bondage: Breaking Free stands as a key milestone in the evolution of Nollywood cinema.
