Nollywood has been saving our lives as far back as the 90s. The movies produced back then had a different vibe, and always got us super glued to our black-and-white or colored screens. It was all about the experience for us and we loved every bit.
Not all of our favorite actors from these movies are still around but they handed us avenues to experience them in the best ways.
We took a trip down memory lane to present you 5 nostalgic Nollywood movies that gave us cinematic experiences in terms of sound, editing, lighting, and color.
Diamond Ring (1998)
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear of this movie? Horror, I presume. “Diamond Ring” served the purpose of a classic Halloween movie. As a child, watching it alone could never been an option, except you’re pleased with staying up all night in fear.
Due to its genre, it brought members of families together, giving that vibe of a family time out.
It tells the tale of a university student who tried to prove himself to his cult members by stealing a diamond ring from the corpse of Mrs Gladys.
He gets struck by a peculiar illness, while members of his cult die one after the other. The solution was for him to return the said ring to the owner. Tade Ogidan takes production credit for this Nollywood 90s delight.
O Le Ku (1997)
O Le Ku is a typical love story, but is there ever love without drama? I guess not. Funny how it is an adaptation of the happenings of today’s world as regards relationships. Parents pressure kids into picking a life partner without considering the circumstances.
Ajani got coerced into looking for a wife, leading him to fall in love with 3 ladies. He eventually gets one pregnant and that marks the beginning of the drama. Back in the day, our parents wanted us to understand the dangers of having multiple partners but failed to fault themselves.
Can we also talk about how despite the level of development at the time, the production could be ranked one of the best? Talk about the good old days.
Living In Bondage (1992, Directed by Chris Obi Rapu)
Starring Kenneth Okonkwo, Kanayo.O. Kanayo, Francis Agu, Nnenna Nwabueze, and Bob Manuel Udokwu, the movie showcases the story of a young man who was willing to do anything to elude poverty.
Paying the cost of sacrificing his wife for rituals earned him his so-desired wealth and affluence but that didn’t last, as the spirit of his late wife hunted him and compelled him to confess his sins. From the movie plot to the characters, antagonists, and protagonists, “Living In Bondage” gave us a 90s show!
Glamour Girls (1994)
It’s safe to say we all want to live a soft life because who poverty help? As the title depicts, it tells the story of girls who craved the glamorous life, associated with promiscuity and danger.
Produced and written by Kenneth Nnebue, and directed by Chika Onukwufor. The remake aired on Netflix and gained massive ratings. Right from their mobile phones, movie lovers were able to experience 90s Nollywood on a cinematic level.
Saworo Ide (1999)
When we speak of celebrating our cultural heritage, Tunde Kelani takes the lead and this is convincingly evident in the movie “Saworo Ide”. It’s one of the earliest Nollywood movies that showcased political drama. It was listed as one of the best-selling Yoruba movies.
The person to be crowned king is expected to play the brass bell-talking drum. However, anyone who cheats the process faces the consequences of sharing his kingship with someone else. It was particularly a family favorite.