In every movie or TV show, there is a character we trip over or loathe. Sometimes, watching movie characters could feel like looking in the mirror. We see ourselves in these characters. We see it in their mannerisms, actions, or even the principles they hold dear.
Most, if not everyone, has one movie character/characters that left an indelible mark on them because of the semblance they share. For the following nollyphiles, it is a bunch of diverse movie characters. Characters who remind them of their role in their family, whose work ethics are just like theirs. Characters who live on after the credits roll.
Peter
Twitter: @peterjev
For Peter, a Chief Operations Officer at Nerdspace Creative Hub in Kaduna, the character he relates to the most is ‘Dust’s‘ Odumodu White, played by Daniel Nwoka.
Odumodu stands out among humorous movie characters, which makes it almost impossible to dislike him. Peter describes him as easygoing, a trait he also possesses.
The principles that matter the most to Peter are loyalty and integrity, and the character Odumodu White represents these qualities. Even when placed between a rock and a hard place, he maintains his stance. Despite the character’s playfulness, Peter believes he is a close image of him.
Joseph
IG: @thejosephjonathan
Twitter: @JosieJp3
A film journalist and critic, Joseph’s job requires that he actively stay in the loop of Nollywood. This means he gets to see a lot of movies and experience diverse characters, but only two characters have made him feel like they were wearing his shoes. The character Lakunle in Adeoluwa Owu’s ‘The Griot’ is one of them.
Lateef Adedimeji took on the character of Lakunle. Joseph’s affinity for him stems from the character’s shyness. Joseph grew up a shy kid, and oftentimes it was his talent that announced him to people. He has overcome the hurdle but is still very much reserved.
Another character that is most like him is Emeka Judah—played by Jide Kene Achufusi—from the highest-grossing movie ‘A Tribe Called Judah,’ which was co-directed by Adeolowa Owu and Funke Akindele.
Most firstborns, including Joseph, saw themselves in Emeka. He was the firstborn of his family and shoulder the unit’s responsibilities. There have been times when Joseph has been overwhelmed by these responsibilities, but like Emeka, he is willing to do anything for his family.
Miracle
IG: @mimiethetechsis
After seeing ‘Flawsome,‘ Tola Odunsi’s latest show, Miracle was convinced the character Dolapo, portrayed by Enado Odigie, was created for her. She is an independent woman; some may describe her as hyper-independent.
Dolapo does not want to rely on anyone, even though she overextends herself for her friends. That’s a habit Miracle is familiar with.
Dolapo is also career-driven. While Dolapo aims to climb the PR ladder, Miracle wants to scale the tech ladder. In both lives, career takes up space.
Manuel
IG: @ohileboemmanuel_
When asked to pick one of the movie characters that reminds him of himself, Manuel’s mind quickly went to Mauyan, a role Kunle Remi embodied in ‘Introducing The Kujus,‘ directed by Biodun Stephen.
What stood out to Manuel is how Mauyan went to any length to prove a point. Although Manuel is like him in this manner, he admits that he only stresses his point on important issues.
Mauyan also worked well under pressure. An ethic that Manuel has had to master as a graphics designer with many budding projects hanging over his head. Manuel felt like he was watching himself as he observed Mauyan wade through the pressure.
Ifunaya
Just like Miracle, Ifunaya sees herself in ‘Flawsome’s’ Dolapo. She shares the same grit as Dolapo and has the same sense of responsibility. Dolapo’s financial prowess is another thing they have in common.
Though Dolapo is a few steps ahead of her, Ifunaya is working hard to achieve Dolapo’s level of financial freedom.
Yes, Dolapo works hard, but she also takes time to treat herself. Ifunaya believes in the popular saying, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” They are both self-care girls who understand the essence of looking after themselves.
From comic comebacks to grappling responsibilities, movie characters personify our lives in several ways. They make us feel seen and heard. And by doing this, they reinforce the power of storytelling.
