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Parents' Guide to

The Black Book

By Brian Costello, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Violence, trauma in intense Nollywood action-thriller.

Movie NR 2023 124 minutes
The Black Book Movie Poster: Image of 3 Black characters with a cross in the background

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

  • The Black Book: Paul preaches in his church.
  • The Black Book: Paul and the General.
  • The Black Book: Professor Craig must make a terrible choice.

Community Reviews

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age 13+

Based on 1 parent review

Kiki M.
Kiki M. Adult
September 28, 2023
age 13+
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

In THE BLACK BOOK, Paul (Richard Mofe-Damijo) is a seemingly simple Christian preacher on the outskirts of Lagos, Nigeria. But when the husband and baby daughter of a prominent activist and official are murdered by kidnappers, the corrupt government officials and police behind it frame Paul's son Dani and murder him in cold blood. As Paul works tirelessly to clear his son's good name, he faces mockery and derision from the very officials who framed Dani in the first place. While an intrepid investigative journalist named Vic wants to help Paul, Paul has other ideas. In order to both clear his son's name and get even with those behind his son's murder, Paul must confront and relive his violent past as a merciless hitman for government and military officials as he faces off against these same officials and a past life he would've preferred to forget.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

This is an intense if highly stylized Nollywood action-thriller. The Black Book treads on some familiar ground in the action-thriller genre: official corruption, revenge, hostages, retired warriors forced by circumstance to become warriors once more, etc. There are some obvious nods to the sensibilities of other directors who make these kinds of movies. And yet, the story takes on complexities not often seen in action-thrillers.

While some plot twists feel more than a little forced, the central conflicts are engaging, both in the external action and in the internal reckoning that the lead character Paul must face. As a bonus, the scenes of Lagos -- Nigeria's capital -- and surrounding areas provide an interesting backdrop as the history and culture have a significant influence on the main characters and the story. It shows a world audiences outside of Africa are only now just beginning to truly see and appreciate in all its rich complexity.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about action-thrillers like The Black Book. How is this similar to and different from other action-thrillers you've seen?

  • This is a Nollywood movie -- a movie produced and filmed in Nigeria. What does the movie reveal about Nigerian life and culture? Besides the action, how is Nigerian culture presented through music, fashion, and the presentation of the country's capital Lagos?

  • This is a "revenge" action movie. What are some other examples of revenge action movies -- movies in which lead characters are forced and/or want to get even with the bad guys who did them wrong?

Movie Details

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