The military in any movie often reflects and shapes national identity by portraying pivotal historical moments, fostering a sense of belonging and unity among citizens. They are also a symbol of the country’s cultural values and ideals.
In Nollywood military movies, themes such as power, loyalty and betrayal, survival, and the human cost of war or political unrest are common. These themes tie these movies together, and they should make a decent watchlist.
Why the Military Often Appears in the Best Nollywood Movies
Cordelia
The Nollywood movie “Cordelia” is a drama set in Nigeria during the early 1990s, a period marked by military rule and campus unrest. It emphasizes the emotional and political aftermath of historical events through the personal stories of ordinary people.
“Cordelia” is a socially and politically charged Nollywood drama that delves into Nigeria’s military history through a personal narrative.
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Badamasi
The movie “Badamasi: Portrait of a General” is a Nollywood biopic about Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, a former Nigerian military head of state. The film also covers significant political events during his time in power, such as military coups and the controversial annulment of the June 1993 presidential elections.
“Badamasi” is notable as the first Nollywood political biopic. The film received attention for its high production quality and detailed storytelling that diverges from typical Nollywood styles to present a serious political drama. It also sparked discussions due to its portrayal of one of Nigeria’s most controversial leaders.
’76
The movie “76” is a 2016 Nigerian historical fiction drama . It is set six years after the Nigerian civil war, during a politically turbulent period marked by an attempted military coup and the assassination of General Murtala Mohammed.
The film was extensively researched, with the script undergoing a seven-month approval process by the Nigerian military. They also supported the production by training actors and allowing access to military locations.
“76” is considered one of Nollywood’s finest historical dramas, blending romance and political thriller elements. It examines the human side of Nigeria’s 1976 coup and its aftermath.
Half of a Yellow Sun
The movie “Half of a Yellow Sun” is a historical drama set in Nigeria during the 1960s, focusing on the period before and during the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970). As political tensions escalate into civil war, the story explores personal and political struggles, including ethnic conflicts, betrayal, and survival.
The film intersperses narrative with archival news footage of Nigerian political events and captures the impact of the war on ordinary lives.
All four movies—”, Cordelia,” “Badamasi,” “76,” and “Half of a Yellow Sun”, directed by the country’s renowned directors, they are connected by their deep exploration of critical periods in Nigerian history.
More so, they focus on military rule, political upheaval, and civil conflict. They frame Nigeria’s complex political and social struggles through personal and human stories.
Directors Obi Emelonye, Tunde Kelani, Biyi Bandele and Izu Ojukwu are names to always remember when picking a Nigerian movie.
