MOVIE REVIEW: EMERALD AND WILD PASSION
Intro:
I told myself I’d never watch a Nollywood movie ever again except by recommendation. So on a boring evening not too long ago, a young friend of mine brought Emerald and Wild Passion over. I did watch them, old though they were, and even penned a review. Here goes:
Review:
Do you believe in fate? Do you believe that two people can be destined to be together such that no matter how hard circumstances work to prevent it, they end up with each other? These are the questions that the Nollywood movie, Emerald and its sequel, Wild Passion, strive to answer. Woven around this theme is the story of a love affair that is said to have spanned two lifetimes and counting. And perhaps, to justify the centuries-long storyline, the filmakers dragged the picture out long enough to test the viewer’s patience, resulting in four parts, two for Emerald, and another two for Wild Passion.*
However, it is this metaphysical element (more on that later) that makes the story intriguing. Beyond that, it becomes the story of another affair with passion, feelings of betrayal and lust for vengeance. Central to the story are Max, played by Ghanaian actor, Majid Michel, a married man who feels bound to a single girl, Emerald, played by one of Nigeria’s prominent actresses, Genevieve Nnaji.
Emerald, while shopping with her cousin, Becky (played by Tonto Dikeh) for antiques with which the latter will open a shop bought an emerald ring, which turned out to be enchanted. It opened her up to dreams in which she saw herself in love with an unhappily married Max in another lifetime, a romance that unjustly ended in tragedy.
In the present, the said Max is a stranger her paths only recently crossed with. Pretty soon, a relationship blossoms between them, although Max is …, you guessed right, unhappily married, just like in her dreams. Their feelings for each other are haltingly portrayed at first due to the guilt felt by Emerald and the pressure plied by Max’s wife. They do get into some kissing and fondling, but thankfully it doesn’t get out of hand.
The retro segment (depicting a previous lifetime), however, is so endearing. There you see Genevieve playing the sassy, taunting girl we’ve seen her interpret convincingly in many movies over the years. Her slim body and ageless looks are great assets for the task. Max, on his part, does the earnest pursuit. Max’s costume will crack you up (I think that big Afro wig needed a little more grooming).
Some great acting too from the lady who played Emerald’s mum. She and Genevieve conveyed the warmth and closeness between mother and daughter superbly.
I must commend the generally modest dressing of the cast except for two supporting characters (one of them played by Tonto) who showed a little more skin than one would care for (bursting cleavages).
For Christians, there are certain issues to bear in mind if you do watch these movies. You probably know that the notion that people can reincarnate and, perhaps, pursue their dreams from previous lifetimes is not biblical. To be fair to the movie, the girl, Emerald, also struggled with the idea to some degree.
“… it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment” – Hebrews 9:27.
There is a brief appearance of an old lady in the film ostensibly as a salesperson in the shop where Emerald bought the ring when she came to return it due to the troubling dreams she’d had. The lady it would seem was a spirit or had magical powers, because she convinced Emerald it was no accident she bought the ring, that it was destined to be hers. This ring, she claimed, would guide Emerald in the present to correct the injustices she and Max suffered in the past. Sounds very fascinating, but highly dangerous in real life. We are to avoid mystical objects that serve as gateways to the supernatural realm or convey hidden powers to us in order not to be manipulated by evil spirits.
“Do not turn to mediums or necromancers; do not seek them out, and so make yourselves unclean by them: I am the LORD your God.” – Leviticus 19:31 (ESV)
“There shall not be found among you … anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD. And because of these abominations the LORD your God is driving them out before you. You shall be blameless before the LORD your God, for these nations, which you are about to dispossess, listen to fortune-tellers and to diviners. But as for you, the LORD your God has not allowed you to do this. – Deuteronomy 18:10-14 (ESV)
“Many of those who thus believed came out of the
closet and made a clean break with their secret sorceries. All kinds of witches and warlocks came out of the woodwork with
their books of spells and incantations and made a huge bonfire of them. Someone estimated their worth at fifty thousand
silver coins.” – Acts 19:18-19 (MSG)
Our guidance should come from the Holy Spirit and the word of God or brethren drawing from these two sources.
Then there’s the whole idea of having an affair. You know that on this, the Bible does not excuse those who are unhappy in their marriages, maybe because those marriages were arranged. Romantic love is wonderful if we find it but we’re not allowed to entertain it beyond the boundaries of marriage. Our relationship with God is more important than the pleasure of any exciting physical union.
“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.” – Hebrews 13:4
It’s always a pleasure for me to see Genevieve in any movie, so the technical lapses like the unnecessary and tedious flashbacks and the spiritual red flags notwithstanding, this one, for me, was a winner.
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*The movies, packaged by De-Zeen International, Divine Touch Production, were written by Chisom Juliet Okereke and released in 2009.
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Which memorable movie have you watched recently? (It could be Hollywood or any of the other …woods.)
Do share the title and some takeaways from it with us in the comments?
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This is a beautiful review!
Thank you and be richly blessed, Israel.
This review is very nice, also made me nostalgic while reading as it made me remember the old times (cos I watched the movie like 7 or 8 years ago).
One movie I can remember that has such theme of reoccurence (though the movie is more intriguing and based on time travel) is an American movie titled Predestination.
I really liked this one because of Genevieve and Majid but time travel movies exasperate me, just like some fantasy pictures. I hated Premonition starring Sandra Bullock. Have a happy Sunday!
Awesome review
A beautiful review filled with biblical teachings too. A double blessing ?
We should not believe any mystical powers because God is the only true God. Also, no one has an excuse for having an affair outside marriage because the Bible warned us against it.
Nice review and the page has a lot of biblical teaching
Beautiful review with biblical reference more power to your elbow ma
Thank you and God bless you!
Wow! This review is really interesting and encouraging too with the biblical aspect of it,it gives me a great impression and impact too.
Wonderful review Ma’am, I wish I can get hold of this movie now.
Reading the review seemed as though I had watched the movie. The scriptural attachment made it more beautiful. Thank you ma’am
I love the fact that the post is surrounded with biblical teachings, thanks ma
The bibical references and teachings brought the message closer,so insightful! Thanks madam!
Nice work indeed you are really amazing Aunty Edith. you are really good at what you do.
Thanks for this beautiful review ma. Many people have forgotten that the bible says on no account should we sin. And for the sexual immorality, thr consequence of the action is very high.
This is a very beautiful review, I also learnt something new through this post. Some people believe in reincarnation of people who died years ago, but the Bible has explained it clearly that man must die once and then be judged. Thank you so much ma’am ☺️
Nice review, with biblical teachings.
I enjoyed it.
What a concise review but critical as it deals with the ills of the society.
I’ve seen the movie. I saw it as a little girl, at about 10 years of age. I remember Max’s afro hair. It seemed like the 90’s but the dressing, buildings and environment did not reflect much on the 90’s. Thinking about it now, I didn’t see the movie as a past, present and future display. I was a child seeing a movie. I agree with you when you say that we should avoid mystical objects that serve as gateways to the hidden things.
Waw…what a comprehensive review seems like I am watching the movie with so much biblical reference and all that. I’m really impressed to see this review surely everything works for good for those who believe in him.
This movie review is just as elaborate as a review ought to be. It comes with the addition of moral counselling backed by scriptural references. I must commend you because it is not easy to be patient, perse, with Nollywood movies. Lol.
This is actually a nice review, with good reference to biblical passages….Have never seen this movie before, but with this review which have just read, will make one believe have actually seen the movie during narration
What a nice review,I already love the movie even when have not seen it. But what caught my attention more is the biblical teaching. Thank you ma.
Wonderful movie review with biblical teachings
Mystical object that serve as gateway to supernatural realm is to be avoided
Nice review
There is indeed no excuse for sexual immorality.
We should rely on God’s word alone
This post is associated with feelings of nostalgia. The review brings mental images to mind and the biblical references and backups makes it more understanding and informative.
It’s like I’m watching the movie
A comprehensive review backed up with biblical references..thank you ma God bless
Ma does it mean going to a sorcerer or a future teller is a bad idea ?
Yes, it is. The Bible clearly forbids it- Deut 18:10-12.
Also read this post:
https://edithohaja.com/do-not-unduely-probe-into-the-future/
The eye opening statement you made towards the end of the post says it all Ma. We should avoid engaging in mystical actions and usage of mystical things.While some think it could be the escape route from our problems, it is important to know that it won’t change anything. It will only bring tons of problems on us. Thank you Ma for drawing our attention to this.
Ma’am this is a nice review, but in my view; a review is to be void of sentiments and religiosity. I’m also a Christian but literature should remain within the terrain of literature.
Very funny! You should have asked if this can be done, not tell me it is wrong. This is a faith and inspirational blog. What is literature by the way? You probably don’t know that the Bible is also a book of literature. Literature can be secular or devotional.
Next time, ask a question about something you are confused about or research before you express an opinion based on a misconception.
Cheers!
There are other ways of helping a man who is unhappily married and not having affair with the man. This movie actually discredits societal values of marriage.
What a story. It’s not every thing that comes our way that should be allowed to enter into us. That magical ring can possibly ruin the girl’s life.
Hmmm, I haven’t watched the movie, but from what I have read here the movie has didactic lessons, Majid Micheal as max and Genevieve Nnaji as Emerald, their characterization is used to send a lot of messages to the viewers, for me I believe that every married man, having troubles in his family should fix it, no marriage is perfect, that is why in marriage they say that 1+1is 1 because God brought you two together for you to perfect your imperfections, you can also talk senses and pray for your wife , going after another woman is wrong, how is he sure that the woman will not be worse than his wife?
Hmmm, I haven’t watched the movie, but from what I read here ,the movie has didactic lessons, Majid Micheal as max and Genevieve Nnaji as Emerald, their characterization is used to send a lot of messages to the viewers , for me I believe that every married man , having troubles in his family should fix it. No marriage is perfect, that is why in marriage they say that 1+1 is 1, because God brought you two together for you to perfect your imperfections, you can also talk senses and pray for your wife, going after another woman is wrong. how is he sure that the woman will not be worse than his wife ?
The movie sounds interesting, love the lessons in it.
This review is very comprehensive in the sense that although I have not even seen the movie I still understood and was able to get the morals of the story. Thank you ma
The review talks wholly about the movie and all it entails. Indeed a movie with spiritual realms and mystical rings sounds a bit scary, but fascinating at the same time.
It is a good thing to be in love but not in a situation where it is creating a spiritual distance between you and God. Because,you go against his commandments as regards to marriage. As far as couples are not separated or divorced, that commandment should be abided to, as having another affair outside defiles your marital home.
Wawuu.. This is indeed a must watch!!.. Beautiful review with biblical lessons. Indeed there’s no excuse for sexual immorality.
Interesting review, seems am watching the movie already. Maybe things to learn from it . One is that will should always know that every marriage have it own up and down but we should not let that cause issue between the two Parties involved rather it should be settled and not going for another person.
Sounds interesting!
I too would like to watch the movie
There are quite alot of lessons to be learnt here
This is such a beautiful review with an impactful biblical reference. I learnt alot from it thanks to you ma
Wow! This review is “mad o!”??. I haven’t seen the movie but it just feels like I have. While reading the review, it’s like I was actually watching the movie. You’re good, ma.
This movie just depicts a lot of what goes on in our world today. Unfaithfulness, adultery and fornication has become the order of the day. So from the review of this movie, one can learn a lot of lesson and not end up making mistakes that might end up as being costly.
More power to your elbow! Your reviews always leave me cracked up for more reviews from you. I haven’t watched the movie but I will love to.
Nice one ma . I like your strategy. At the beginning, I thought you were praising Max’s affair outside marriage, but at a point, you digressed.
Nice review ma’am
I do believe in fate
Well MA, I don’t believe in fate. Whatever must have happened in the film, it will be the conscious handwork of both parties.
Though I’ve not seen this movie before.
She was having an affair with a married man which is wrong regardless of the fact that they met in the previous life.
Great review am already anticipating seeing the movie
This is a wonderful Review, with good reference to biblical passage…I Haven’t watched the movie before, but while reading it… I get to understand some certain things which I never knew about. We should always make sure that our guidances comes from the holy spirit and also from the word of God.
Well it has been quite sometime I watched a Nigerian movie. The fact that there are magical things doesn’t mean we need to delve into them since we have been warned by the Bible to stay away from such. Thank you ma for this message
Hmm interesting
It’s true that going to magic places is wrong because you don’t know what will be invoked in you. That’s how my roommates told me to go to a certain place to know if there’s something wrong with me spiritually,I didn’t even let her finish her statement before walking out.
An outstanding review. I look forward to seeing the movie
I think I would love to watch this movie ma. I love the way you relate this movie to the Bible.
Wonderful review, inspiring and educative with biblical aspect of it. Very nice work ma.
This is a very beautiful review!
Wow
I would really love to to see this movie now.
I believe there is no excuse for sexual immorality
I saw this movie when I was 15, quite an old movie I’d say but thanks to Africa magic that will always bring back old movies to the screen. I do prefer the old movies to the recent ones that Nollywood makes now.
I agree with all that you have noted and the fact that every Bible quotation you pin pointed justifies your reasons. Your ability to review this movie in Christian faith and worldly ways should be acknowledged as well. However, I’d say the “another lifetime” in the movie really bored me. I almost thought they were referring to the slave trade era because of the setting and all, the rules and restrictions of their “another lifetime” which I believe is not really necessary, they could have just gone on with the present. But then again, giving your audience what they never expected makes you different and interesting. The movie is a 6/10 for me.
I enjoyed your review and the way you are so real, your use of biblical reference and comic reliefs. Well done, ma!
This is a must watch indeed, old movies with moral lessons. The review is great, it talks wholly about the movie and all it entails. I love the moral lessons
The movie sounds super interesting.
I enjoyed your review. I remember seeing a snippet of the movie when I was younger but I didn’t watch it finish because it bored me.
Ilkke how the writer compared the movie to the Bible, On a normal I would have just watched the movie with no Bible inspiration in me, but now I will learn to use the Bible to weigh whatever I watch
This story is a very interesting one. Deception still exists , mystical powers are still in existence but we have just one supreme power which is God’s power
Wonderful review you have here ma and the references you made from the Bible. though am not very clear on these mystical objects or even past life cases. Kudos and more inks to your pen, ma!
Very nice review the old lady in the movie portray God’s existence that he is always involved in our daily activities even in situations that seems like he is too busy to answer. Indeed GOD has a plan for everything
Uhmmm, she brought “knowledge” from the supernatural realm but not all spirits and “knowledge” from that realm are for our good. Some can trap us with covenants that can complicate our lives and lead to tragedy. Cheers!
I must commend your analytical prowess and in consonance with your view on mysticism and affairs in relation to the movie; it is noteworthy to say that it has become a major constituent of most movie scripts irrespective of the country of origin and a popular example could be the Arthurian legend depicted in “Merlin”. Thank you for such a nice piece.
Wonderful Review.
The Biblical References were indeed enlightening.
Thanks Ma for this Beautiful Piece of Literary Work.
Wow, the review made me feel as if it was the movie I was watching, the scriptural references made it more beautiful 😍
Thank you ma for the detailed and wonderful review. It’s highly intriguing. Especially the area where you addressed immorality according to the scriptural standard, this is a reminder to all Christians and everyone inclusive, that no matter the movie we see, we should maintain our stand and not be conformed or deluded. The issue of reincarnation as addressed here, according to the scripture is perfect. More grace to you ma, and God bless your work.
A very good, precise and educational review, teaching all the whats and what nots. I’m grateful finding my very own self here, learning and growing with everyone. ❤️
An exciting review with biblical teachings.
A part captured my interest the most and here it is: “Let marriage be held in honor among all and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.”
Even though this generation isn’t interested in this part of marriage bed undefiled, the word of God can not, will not, can never and will never change.
This is such a beautiful movie review, that is educative and has deep spiritual morals. I love the movie title.
Should we then put aside the question of reincarnation, fate and destiny because it has no biblical record?
Not forgetting that the Bible as you have rightly said is a work of literature, written and edited by man, should we then accept all that it says without question?
I am however more curious to know what your own opinion on reincarnation and destiny might be.
A wonderful review.
I really enjoyed the Biblical references
Wow, this is amazing!
I read through the post that God forbids us from listening to diviners, fortune tellers and so on, if I’m not mistaken.
Well, I had this belief or notion that their unique abilities are gifts from God to them. Guess I learnt something new.
This is an intriguing movie review with lots of lessons, the fact you had bible passages to back up your opinions and view is commendable.
This review is very filled with both moral and intellectual take homes. I also detest revealing of body parts. Nollywood should understand that they can still send across their messages without such scenes just like a recent movie called shanty town.
The review is so nice… To me the movie is just like one of those movies with cliché ending
Beautiful review with biblical reference.
Wow! This review painted a visual image of the movie for me. I haven’t watched the movie but I could tell how it will be. I also liked the fact that you used biblical context to back up your point.
It is a good review with both sides analysed critically.
It’s a very wonderful and interesting piece of review. I really enjoyed myself and thanks to you. To be frank, I actually admire the way you write, ma. Your words are so enriched … like they are garnished with anlot of ingredients.
Such a beautiful review and with this I could feel the intriguing aspect of the movie. Definitely a MUST WATCH!
An entertaining and educative review with biblical teachings as well. I for one do not believe in reincarnation, I also appreciate the use of biblical references in this review. Keep up the good work ma.
This is a beautiful review,and the biblical references are power.
Thank you,ma.
Wow!
I actually learnt a lot from reading this review, especially the biblical teaching and references.
This should be recommended to lot of people out there.
Wow, this is a very interesting and detailed review. Even without watching the movie I could picture some of the events and I learnt that any romantic love outside your marriage is a sin.
This review is interesting and I would like to watch movie
A well written and Beautiful review. I was able to get the intriguing part of the movie even with few analysis and understood that spirituality is basically associated with every part of one’s life and I will say it’s a MUST WATCH!
Beautiful review ma, I enjoyed every bit of it including the scriptures quoted. I just got to understand that relationship with God is better than any physical union therefore God first.
Thank you ma, I learnt a lot of things even from the scripture that you backed it up with, it’s really inspiring and I want to watch the movie
This was an interesting read.
I loved how you used a question to capture and pique the reader’s interest and I love that there was a balance in the critique.
All in all, I picked up quite a number of lessons not just with respect to writing a review but on life as well.
Thank you, ma.
I love your manner of expression. See me!
Good evening, ma! This review is indeed superb. It made me want to watch the movie. The way you dissected it and also added biblical backing is something else. God bless you ,ma!
God bless you too, my dear!
Bible does not excuse unhappy marriage, fort having extra marital affairs.
We need to really avoid mystical objects that serve as gateways to the supernatural realms.
Wonderful review. I wish I can watch it now.
A wonderful review with biblical references to back it up. Nollywood movies back in days are always commendable with a lesson to learn at the end of the movie.
This is an awesome review. I had to watch the movie on YouTube after reading this because I couldn’t just get enough of it. The biblical teachings made me see the movie from a more detailed Christian view.
What a wonderful review ma though I’ve not watched the film but the review makes me feel like I should check it out I like how you explained the movie and backed it up with biblical references. What I feel is that as a man if your marriage is unstable you should try and fix it and also discuss with your partner about the problems in the marriage cause communication in relationships is very important instead of having extra martial affairs which is a sin
Wow this is interesting ma, never knew that going to a sorcerer is not good. I really learnt a lot from this.
more grace mummy!!!
This is an amazing review and it’s equally interesting. I would most definitely see the movie.
I love the biblical references used in backing up your review ❤️ though in as much as you shouldn’t believe in these kind of stories,there still exist in real world.Over all it is a blessing to hear your own opinion on the matter
I love how detailed this review is. It also has biblical teachings which makes it even better. I’ve understood a lot on this movie even though I haven’t watched it,this is possible because this review is top notch,well done ma
Ma, Your review style is worthy of emulation. You make it look easy.
Nice review with attachment of bible scriptures make is so much beautiful.
Its unto man to die once, and after death comes judgement. Indeed, this is what most people forget. I can’t forget when I lost my phone in night class, someone told me he would take me to a diviner in Enugu ezike, that anybody that stole my phone would be revelead and punishment awaits the person.
When I told my parents, their response was, God has taken away evil by exchanging it with the phone. For the light and darkness has nothing in common. Back to this review, we shouldn’t have anything to do with sorcery as Christians.
The review is elaborate with biblical teaching. Love the movie already.
Beautiful movie review.
While it is possible for two people to have a strong connection and overcome obstacles to be together, it is ultimately up to individual choices and actions that shape the course of a relationship.
This was the good old days, when every movie had a moral lesson attached to it. reading this review make me feel like I have watched the movie. How do you write so nice ma? Very nice analytical review ma.
I learnt a lot about review from this article. God bless you Ma.
Old is gold indeed. Ma, your review is awesome beyond measure and it reminds me of my younger years. I also love the way you reviewed it with biblical references.
This is a really nice review ma. I almost feel like watching the movie after reading this. I also like the way you brought out a few bible scriptures, this taught me a lot about the lessons to be taken from this movie. Thank you for this nice review ma.❤
I took the liberty to.do that because mine is a faith and inspirational blog.
The movie talks about whether two people are meant to be together because of destiny. In real life, destiny is something people believe differently. But what we choose to do and how we behave are the things that truly affect our relationships. This piece is deep and educative as well.
Wonderful review! Loved it. It is a pleasure to read,well articulated and an eye opener of how to write an outstanding review. You’re a blessing ma’am
This review is intelligently written. I’m encouraged to pick up a movie and review it, following the guidelines I learnt from this review.