Breath of Life is a 2023 Nigerian drama film, executively produced by BB Sasore and Derin Adeyokunnu. This article delves into the plot, cast, and themes that make this film a notable entry in Nollywood.
Plot Overview
Narrated by Elijah, the story follows Timi, a young man who excelled academically, spoke 16 languages and became the first African clergyman in the Church of England. After marrying Bridget and having a daughter, he returns to Nigeria, living a fulfilling life until tragedy strikes.
The film begins in the future before returning to the past. Through its lengthy flashback, the film, first, devotes attention to the story of young Temi (played by Ademola Adedoyin) - one of the film’s leads. Using voiceovers, the young Temi’s story is peppered with visually bejewelling frames of his life: his years in military service, years under religious tutelage, and his vast knowledge and wealth. Married to the beautiful Bridget (Eku Edewor) and blessed with a daughter, Timi returns to Nigeria with an interest in community service. Deeply pious and committed to the gospel, a tragic event flips the course of his life and he becomes an irreligious recluse.
Thirty-five years later, another man emerges with a zeal to revive the local church and rescue Timi from grief’s long and winding embrace. It is Elijah (Chimezie Imo), his house manager.
Things go south when Timi decides to testify in court against a murderous gang. What he doesn’t know is that the gang’s activities are covertly sponsored by the colonial authorities, to control the population and ensure compliance. Losing in court, Timi faces their retaliation: his wife and daughter are burned alive before his eyes. After trying and failing to end his life on several occasions, with bleach and bullets, this once bubbly reverend becomes a recluse.
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The Cast and Their Roles
The cast of Breath of Life includes talented actors who bring depth and nuance to their respective roles:
- Wale Ojo as Old Timi: Wale Ojo portrays old Timi, who has settled into seclusion after tragedy strikes his family. He is a cold, grieving, and angry man who lives in isolation. Old Timi is portrayed as a man who remains stuck in the past, evident in his choice of furnishings in the house and his cars. Despite not engaging much with the outside world, he is highly knowledgeable and keeps up with current issues by reading the daily papers.
- Chimezie Imo as Elijah: Elijah is a bright-eyed youth who has just concluded his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) service year and moves to Ibadan for greener pastures. He nurses an ambition to start a church, which is revealed to be his primary reason for moving into the town. Elijah is depicted as valuing and prioritizing hard work and dedication to God above all else, even above his well-being. Although Elijah is revealed to be an orphan, he embodies resilience and determination. Additionally, Elijah had breathing problems which endeared his character even more, as it occasionally served as comic relief or manifested when he was anxious or fearful.
- Ademola Adedoyin as Young Timi: Young Timi is the quintessential highly gifted and accomplished character. He was also one of the youngest people to become a clergy member in the Church of England. However, Young Timi moved back to mid-western Nigeria in the 1960s during the country's independence with his wife and young daughter, Alison, after his father's death.
- Eku Edewor as Bridget: Bridget is the wife of the protagonist Timi, and it is revealed that she met him in Cambridge. They have a daughter named Alison, and she moves back with him to Nigeria when his father dies.
- Genoveva Umeh as Anna: Anna serves as the romantic interest of Elijah. She is a bold, confident, and fiery character who balances and challenges Elijah, encouraging him to fight for what he wants. Despite coming from a more financially buoyant background than Elijah, she never allows it to hinder their relationship or her connection with the townsfolk. Anna volunteers at the town's medical center and helps Elijah learn new values of determination and confidence.
- Chiedozie Nzeribe Sambasa as Baby Fire: Baby Fire is one of the film's major antagonists. He leads the Baby Fire gang, manipulated by colonial masters to sow chaos and terror among the townspeople. Baby Fire's role in the film is pivotal; he orchestrates the inciting incident that disrupts Mr.
- Bimbo Manuel as Mr. Coker: Mr. Coker serves as Mr. Timi's lawyer, managing all aspects of his affairs including properties, business, and investments. He keeps Mr. Timi informed of necessary matters and ensures that everything is taken care of, recognizing Mr. Timi's inclination to avoid public appearances. When Mr. Timi faces a significant decision at the end, he confides in Mr. Coker and entrusts him with carrying out the task in his absence.
- Sam Dede as Chief Okonkwo: Chief Okonkwo is Anna's father, a prominent businessman and the primary antagonist obstructing Elijah's dream of becoming a pastor. He is portrayed as a stern and influential figure who prioritizes securing financial gain and safeguarding his interests above all else.
- Ashionye Michelle Raccah as Mrs. Okonkwo: Mrs. Okonkwo is Anna's mother, a middle-aged, regal, and affluent woman married to one of the richest and most influential individuals in the town. She epitomizes the affluent housewife, prioritizing family, homemaking, and her husband's interests, which in turn rewards her with a lavish lifestyle.
- Melanie Atari as Alison: Alison is the young daughter of Mr. Timi, born in England and later moved to Nigeria at a very young age. She is portrayed as a mini-version of her mother, Bridget, resembling her in looks, fashion choices, and carriage.
- Tina Mba as Mama Ayo: Mama Ayo is a dedicated member of the town's community who regularly attends services at Elijah's church. Her unwavering commitment to the church is evident as she stands by Elijah's side to protect it from demolition.
These actors brought depth and complexity to their characters, enhancing the film's narrative and emotional impact.
Themes and Analysis
Piety and faith in God are the two most prominent themes in Breath of Life. It’s pretty interesting to contrast the two parallel elements of worldly affluence and humble, steadfast faith. The romance between Elija and Anna is inevitable.
In my experience of watching faith-based films, characters take polar representations as forces of light or darkness. As the motive is usually to be entertaining and evangelical, there is a lurking tendency to divide its characters into metaphysical concepts: good and evil. Although Sasore’s script embraces these inevitable faith-based sensibilities - the supremacy of God, light overcoming darkness, and characters’ dialogue steeped in Bible scriptures - the film tones it down.
A near-constant in Sasore’s work is the depiction of intense, often painful spiritual journeys, marked by personal tragedy, internal conflict, and moments of divine intervention. Whether in the visually striking scenes of God Calling, the fantastical elements of Banana Island Ghost, or the melodramatic pulses of Breath of Life, he blends realism with spiritual allegory. His settings are grounded in the material and social realities of Nigeria, and his works often take on a mythic quality, posing numerous what ifs. What if faith and redemption were far more complex and challenging than any religious doctrine could fully convey? What if the struggle between doubt and belief were the true driving force behind human existence?
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Regarding themes, the director says the film is primarily about living for a purpose. And judging by the ending, this rings true. The result of Timi’s life being ‘spared’ is that he can give his lungs to Elijah when the young man is dying.
Reception and Awards
According to flixpatrol.com, after the release of Breath of Life on Amazon Prime Video, the film held a top 10 position in 11 countries for 43 days with an average of 20 points per day. These countries include Armenia, Benin, Cameroon, Ghana, Malawi, Nigeria, Qatar, Rwanda, Togo, Uganda, and Zambia. It earned high praise from Nigerian film critic Cinemapointer, who labeled it "Sterling" with a 5-star rating.
At the 2024 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA), Breath of Life secured five awards, including Best Lead Actor (Wale Ojo), Best Supporting Actor (Demola Adedoyin), Best Supporting Actress (Genoveva Umeh), Best Director (BB Sasore), and Best Movie.
God Calling won two awards from over ten nominations at the 2020 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs), thanks to its makeup and lighting design.
Awards Won by Breath of Life at the 2024 AMVCA
| Award | Recipient |
|---|---|
| Best Lead Actor | Wale Ojo |
| Best Supporting Actor | Demola Adedoyin |
| Best Supporting Actress | Genoveva Umeh |
| Best Director | BB Sasore |
| Best Movie | Breath of Life |
Impact and Initiatives
On Thursday, March 7, 2024, an event took place between the creators of Breath of Life and FilmOne Group, aimed at fostering knowledge sharing in Nollywood. The event served as a case study, exposing the entire filmmaking process to filmmakers from diverse backgrounds. This initiative utilized the wide impact of Breath of Life to encourage collaboration and learning within the Nigerian film industry. By providing transparency into the filmmaking process, the event aimed to inspire and educate both aspiring and established filmmakers.
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In March 2024, Nemsia Films partnered with Evercare Hospital Lekki in a strategic collaboration aimed at bolstering awareness about asthma and extending crucial support to patients. As such, Nemsia Films and Evercare Hospital Lekki announced the distribution of 100 complimentary inhalers to individuals in need. The distribution of the inhalers took place at Evercare Hospital Lekki's premises in Lekki, Lagos.
