Multi-talented and Award-winning actress, Genevieve Nnaji, would be well in her rights if she is described as one of the greatest Nollywood actors ever. She has bagged multiple achievements in her career which spans over 20 years and played every possible role you can think of. She emerged as a promising child actor in the 80s, won hearts with her heart-rending performance in “Ijele” and earned her status as a star with the iconic “Sharon Stone” role.
In 2018, she added a feat with the release of her directorial debut “Lionheart”, a sentimental drama with a feminist undertone. We have seen Genevieve seamlessly switch between roles over the years which have only made our love for her stronger.
So here we have picked out the best 7 from our point of view. Let us know what you think of our selections.
Ijele (1999)
Ijele, the son of the gods and the most powerful man in Obiligwe, has eyes only for Oma (Genevieve). When she was sick, he travelled into the evil forest, wrestled a whirlwind and crossed a river of fire to find a cure for her. When the goddess of rain and the entire village try to force another bride on him, he refuses.
Watch the movie below;
Sharon Stone (2002)
Often described as her most groundbreaking performance in her early career, she played the titular character, a conniving young beauty who thinks she is too pretty for one man. There are players and there is Sharon Stone – the greatest player ever in Nollywood. Causing so many ruckuses, Sharon was engaged to three men at once: a young boy, Dallas; a military man, Tony; and a middle-aged man named Uche.
Watch the movie below;
Blood Sisters (2003)
Never one to be typecast as just “the pretty girl”, in this movie she played her most memorable villainous role to date. Esther and Gloria are blood sisters, but Esther feels nothing but hatred for her elder sister. She is constantly threatened by her sister’s better grades and luck with men. Her envy of Gloria pushes her to do something incredibly wicked. The film is the first featuring Nnaji and Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, who played Gloria. Nnaji’s searing performance as a wicked sister and stepmother and Jalade’s embodiment of the good sister role birthed a rivalry between the two actresses (that existed only in the imagination of their fans.)
Watch the movie below;
Private Sin (2004)
In Private Sin, she plays Faith, a pastor’s wife who leads a double life. In the church, she is a fierce worshipper, at home – she is a painfully cruel wife. Nnaji’s charismatic performance as the sarcastic Faith has all her best qualities; she’s charming, striking and dominating all in one.
Watch the movie below;
Ijé: The Journey (2010)
Nnaji and Jalade played sisters once again but this time they actually love each other. Nnaji’s character in this movie, Chioma, leaves Nigeria for the United States to help her sister, Anya who’s been accused of killing her husband. Just as she brilliantly acted a wicked sister, Nnaji aced the good sister role with another masterful performance—a reminder of her versatility.
Watch the movie below;
Road To Yesterday (2015)
Following a brief absence from the screen, Nnaji returned with a strong performance in this movie, a sobering love story that follows an estranged couple who try to fix their marriage on a road trip. The flawless performance from Nnaji is the kind we have come to expect of her. This also marked the actress’ first time acting as producer.
See trailer below;
Lionheart (2018)
Possibly her biggest film yet, she covers all stops on this one; Directing, Producing, Co-writing, and playing lead role. Her character, Adaeze is the most fitting (and competent) to replace her dad as the CEO of his bus company. But when an opportunity presents itself, she is overlooked, despite her impeccable track record. Like most women, she has to work even harder to prove herself worthy.
Adaeze may not be Nnaji’s most challenging character, but it is one of the most important she has played thus far. Her performance is still striking as ever—simple but effective. The film’s feminist undertone, rich display of Igbo culture, and comical elements ensured that a story about a hostile takeover remains enjoyable all the way through.
The movie which recently got an Oscar nomination is also available on Netflix.
See trailer below;
By: The Arubayi Keme