Blossom Chukwujekwu, Rita Dominic, Shawn Faqua, Stan Nze, Ali Nuhu, Chiwetalu Agu, Gideon Okeke, Kelechi Udegbe, Ali Nuhu, Gregory Ojefua, Nengi Adoki, Charles Inojie, Denola Grey, Waje Iruobe
This is the story of a notoriously cunning kidnapper known only by name, who has ravaged the southern part of Nigeria for over a decade. 'Eric' undertakes a job that brings the law closer than ever before. Inspired by true events.
Jade Osiberu
Jade Osiberu
Jade Osiberu
2019
Amazon Prime Video
It’s becoming more frequently true that in nollywood when great storytelling and intentional cinematography balance harmoniously then you are likely watching a Jade Osiberu film.
The Trade is loosely based on the story of the notorious kidnapper, Evans, who ruthlessly kidnapped and killed victims around Nigeria. In the movie, Eric (Blossom Chukwujekwu) is a meticulous and ruthless kidnapper who has grown his ‘business’ of kidnapping wealthy Nigerians and extracting millions from their family members while managing to remain relatively unknown. A new young enthusiastic officer (Shawn Faqua) joins the special investigative unit of Nigerian Police Force and hones in on a plan to attempt to capture Eric.
The Trade is an action movie and by all requirements of the category it meets the mark, there is the shooting, the running, the chases and even cars spinning in mid air (all which are done well above the standards that we have become accustomed to in nollywood). However, the movie doesn’t let its title as an action film keep it from the real content which is the story. The writer skillfully intermingles the viewpoints of Eric, the police officer and his new victim in a manner that truly invests the audience in not just the story but in each individual character. It’s the little things that builds this film up like the way characters are given flesh backbone and authenticity. For instance, the back story that is given to Ali Nuhu’s character to explain his persona and its contrast with that of Shawn Faqua’s character. By the time the end of the movie rolls around, you find yourself equally invested in the success of the kidnapper as you are in the success of the police force – and that’s the power of good writing.
Regardless good writing is not the only thing going for this movie. The storyline behind The Trade is supported by a behemoth of a cast. From Blossom Chukwujekwu who truly becomes this viciously frightening kidnapper whose mere laughter haunts you, to Shawn Faqua whose overt enthusiasm is relatable to the extent of getting underneath your skin. The casting director pulls in actors who become the role without overpowering the role. Even actors with little cameos like Denola Grey are actors who are truly convincing in that role.
The Trade is honestly high on the ranking for one of the most unforgettable movies of the year. There’s just something about it that feels authentic in an old nollywood type of way. Yet it still uses all of the new nollywood technology but not in a type of way that allows the grandeur of the flashy things to become its own character in the film.
We need to know where these movies that are not on netflix are streaming or showing especially when they have stopped showing in cinema’s. Thanks
Hey Judith, this movie is available online on Amazon Prime Video. For future reference though, at the top of the review there’s almost always a “Watch Online At” section that says exactly where you can see it online if it’s available!