LESSONS FROM LIONHEART

Yeah ! ? I've finally seen it. LION HEART ! #LongRead

Before taking my time to see this film, I had been told by a lot of people that it is overrated and 'just there', let's use our normal naija term, 'just there'. I grudgingly collected the film yesterday telling myself it wouldn't be worth my 2,000 naira at the mall, I stand here today wishing I had bought a ticket to see this mind blowing movie 'LION HEART' which I would do this weekend, yes, I intend seeing it again but this time, at the cinema.

If we see movies not just for fun but to learn, we will be able to differentiate underrated from overrated. Here are some of the lessons I picked from LION HEART.

1- When you find yourself in a fix as a woman, you don't have to open your legs to a man in exchange for money or some sort of assistance, you've got brains, you've got hands, use them, it is honourable and a noble thing to do. Let no man take you to bed under the guise of assistance. Own it, as projected in the major character, Adaeze Obiagu (Genevieve Nnaji).

2- Be ready to work with others as two heads are always better than one. Adaeze Obiagu at first was saddened by the fact that her uncle, Godswill Obiagu (Nkem Owoh) had come into the company to sit in place of her father, the chairman who was sick at the period. She wanted to be MD and in the end this unwanted uncle was the man holding the ladder in place while she steadily climbed up to the position she always wanted to grace.

3- Be social. Chief Ernest Obiagu (Pete Edochie) was very much in sync with his Hausa partner Alhaji Maikano (Sani Mua'zu) because he could understand his language, this further gave more platform to make the business work and also eased the tension between them, trust was born.

4- Our growth is based on how we treat others.The world is a small place, be of good help to people when you can, including strangers and never turn a blind eye to evil. This is captured in the scene where Godswill Obiagu interfered and averted a fraud which saved Hamza Maikano (Yakubu Mohammed) who in turn became the Messiah who saved the day for LION HEART.

5- Delay is never denial, Adaeze had worked so hard for many years and wasn't happy she was being denied the ultimate sit of the MD, but when it came to be, she never expected it and it turned out to be a glorious one, well deserved, properly dished and served. Work hard and be patient, your breakthrough will come.

6- Never sit around waiting for people to spoon-feed you, go out, work, think, make moves, never give up. That thing you are looking for will come. Adaeze's character is one to emulate. Her heart, strong, her will, commendable, that of a LION, and that of a LEADER.

7- Train and encourage your children to be strong, no matter how far they have come in life, they will always need it.This can be seen in the character of Abigail Obiagu, Adaeze's mother "don't slouch, sit up, be strong, it is not over until it is over, God never gives you a burden he has not equipped you to carry, do away with the sentiments and emotions, get the job done, you have it in you, dig deep...", she says to her down trodden daughter, who is eventually encouraged.

8- You can have wealthy parents and also add value to their lives by building on what was already built for you, that legacy, create it's longevity, that's the least you could do. Don't sit around waiting to be catered to. Any gender can achieve this, if they have the passion to do it .We could see that Adaeze's brother, Obiora (Phyno) was about his business, adding value to his life, following his path even though he had no particular role to play in his father's business, everyone is happy.

Onyinye, Adaeze's PA played by Jemima Osunde, did give us a touch of humour as I found myself smiling in a good part of this movie. What is a movie if it can't. make you laugh some point?

The likes of Black panther, Aqua man, wonder woman, Venom, e.t.c, all great movies, but what did you learn that can actually be applied to life and reality? I will always love Holly Wood but I am so glad that NollyWood is bringing greatness to the table. Let us support our own, as long as it is deserved.

This is not just a movie, it is a motivational piece.

It was a good buy for NETFLIX, totally worth the go.

I do hope that this movie gets better recognition and awards. In Genevieve and in Adaeze Obiagu, I see a woman, I want to become. I am inspired.