the black book review 2023

Action/Adventure
Children's/Family
Documentary/Reality
Amazon Prime Video

More From Decider

New Shows & Movies To Watch This Weekend: 'Bridgerton' Season 3 on...

Jax Taylor Admits His "Delivery Is Awful" In 'The Valley': "That's One Of...

What Happened to Regé-Jean Page? Did the Duke Bomb His Movie Star Career...

'9-1-1's Malcolm-Jamal Warner On Amir And Bobby, Working With Peter...

'Unfrosted' Has Everyone Wondering "What's The Deal With Jerry Seinfeld?"

Chrissy Teigen Stuns John Legend On 'The Drew Barrymore Show' With Reveal...

Brooke Shields Flashed Her ‘Mother of the Bride’ Co-Star Benjamin...

Andy Cohen Reveals Sarah Jessica Parker's Reaction When He Suggested Rosie...

Stream It Or Skip It: ‘The Black Book’ on Netflix, A Revenge Thriller from the Streets of Nigeria

Where to stream:.

The Black Book

Stream It Or Skip It: ‘Postcards’ on Netflix, A Nigerian-Indian Family Comedy From The Creator of ‘Namaste Wahala’

Stream it or skip it: ‘aníkúlápó: rise of the spectre’ on netflix, a six-episode series sequel to the hit nollywood fantasy film, stream it or skip it: ‘iwájú’ on disney+, about two friends exploring a futuristic version of lagos, nigeria, stream it or skip it: ‘blood vessel’ on netflix, a nollywood thriller that cuts its action with melodrama.

You know Hollywood, you’ve at least heard of Bollywood, but do you know … Nollywood ? That’s Nigeria’s film industry, which is booming enough to give its cinema a catchy name with some cultural caché. Netflix is even getting in on the action with The Black Book , now streaming on their platform.

THE BLACK BOOK : STREAM IT OR SKIP IT?

The Gist: Corruption is running rampant in contemporary Nigeria within the world of The Black Book , so much so that the police can just openly kill a young man on a beach and expect no consequences for it. But they don’t know what they’ve gotten themselves into this time because bereaved father Paul Edima (Richard Mofe-Damijo) is far more than just the pacifistic deacon that he appears. Paul has a checkered past in the country’s military that he’s tried to bury even in his own mind, but the soldier in him re-emerges to take justice into his own hands. Enmeshing himself once more in the web of violence and corruption is not something he takes on alone, however. His journey nack into the underworld that he once inhabited requires engaging with some old allies as well as a surprising new one: a crusading journalist intent on using the press to expose the country’s bad actors.

What Movies Will It Remind You Of?: The Nigerian hybrid of Taken and Spotlight you didn’t know you needed.

Performance Worth Watching: The leads fighting for justice in their own way are good, but it’s Shaffy Bello as Big Daddy who proves the real MVP of The Black Book . She (yes, you read that pronoun right) is a force of nature in her capacity as a high-powered enforcer.

Memorable Dialogue: “The past must die to truly serve the future.” A line so nice they say it twice, once at the beginning without context and again at the end when it means something very different.

Sex and Skin: The Black Book stays focused on the action in the streets, not between the sheets.

Our Take: There’s plenty to admire in co-writer/director Editi Effiong’s dramatic thriller, but there’s little that really inspires a viewer to really lean forward in their seats. It’s always pitched between two very different ways a movie can be without fully committing to either. For example, it’s partially a character study of Paul’s final reckoning with the past, but it’s also somewhat allegorical for the Nigerian nation on the whole. Technically sound filmmaking can only go so far within a work that doesn’t really have a strong sense of what it wants to be. It can’t help but be a bit deflating to watch the big final scenes and know that they could have been a real wallop with a full film’s worth of momentum behind them.

Our Call: SKIP IT. The Black Book is not nearly bloody nor brooding enough. There are interesting components in this Nigerian thriller, but without a stronger sense of cohesion between plot and style, it feels instantly forgettable.

Marshall Shaffer is a New York-based freelance film journalist. In addition to Decider, his work has also appeared on Slashfilm, Slant, The Playlist and many other outlets. Some day soon, everyone will realize how right he is about Spring Breakers.

Stream It Or Skip It

Does 'Yellowstone' Return Tonight? 'Yellowstone's Season 5 Return Date, Kevin Costner Updates, And More

Sunny Hostin Leaves Her Seat On 'The View' To Advise Whoopi Goldberg About What She Can And Can't Say On TV

'Bridgerton' Showrunner Jess Brownell Explains Why We Didn't Get Penelope and Lady Danbury's Friendship in Season 3

Does Bobby Die On '9-1-1'? What We Know About The Future Of Peter Krause's Character

Patricia Richardson Says 'Home Improvement' Ended Because ABC Wouldn't Give Her Equal Pay to Tim Allen

Why Isn't 'The View' Airing A New Episode Today?

Common Sense Media

Movie & TV reviews for parents

For Parents
For Educators
Our Work and Impact

Or browse by category:

Get the app
Movie Reviews
Best Movie Lists
Best Movies on Netflix, Disney+, and More

Common Sense Selections for Movies

50 Modern Movies All Kids Should Watch Before They're 12

Best TV Lists
Best TV Shows on Netflix, Disney+, and More
Common Sense Selections for TV
Video Reviews of TV Shows

Best Kids' Shows on Disney+

Best Kids' TV Shows on Netflix

Book Reviews
Best Book Lists
Common Sense Selections for Books

8 Tips for Getting Kids Hooked on Books

50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12

Game Reviews
Best Game Lists

Common Sense Selections for Games

Video Reviews of Games

Nintendo Switch Games for Family Fun

Podcast Reviews
Best Podcast Lists

Common Sense Selections for Podcasts

Parents' Guide to Podcasts

App Reviews
Best App Lists

Social Networking for Teens

Gun-Free Action Game Apps

Reviews for AI Apps and Tools

YouTube Channel Reviews
YouTube Kids Channels by Topic

Parents' Ultimate Guide to YouTube Kids

Real-Life Heroes on YouTube for Tweens and Teens

Family Tech Planners
Digital Skills
All Articles
Latino Culture
Black Voices
Asian Stories
Native Narratives
LGBTQ+ Pride
Best of Diverse Representation List

Celebrating Black History Month

Movies and TV Shows with Arab Leads

Celebrate Hip-Hop's 50th Anniversary

The black book, common sense media reviewers.

Violence, trauma in intense Nollywood action-thriller.

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.

Violence, reckoning, and retribution are the big t

Vic is a fearless female journalist who faces dang

Showcases the diversity and vibrancy of Nigerian c

Violence and some traumatic moments. A woman worki

Infrequent mild language: "goddammit" and "damn."

Tobacco or marijuana smoking. Tobacco or marijuana

Positive Messages

Violence, reckoning, and retribution are the big takeaways.

Positive Role Models

Vic is a fearless female journalist who faces danger and corruption at every turn. Other main characters, while trying to redeem and atone for their pasts, are pulled back into their violent ways after a death at the hands of a corrupt police force.

Diverse Representations

Did we miss something on diversity? Suggest an update.

Violence & Scariness

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Tobacco or marijuana smoking. Tobacco or marijuana smoked like a joint in rolling papers. Wine drinking.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that The Black Book is a 2023 Nollywood action-thriller in which a preacher with a shady past seeks retribution after his son is killed and framed for murder. Expect action movie violence, including characters shot and killed at close range. A dead body found on the beach leaves the sand bloodied. A woman is forced by kidnappers to choose between her husband or baby daughter to be shot and killed -- the kidnappers end up killing them both anyway. Fighting with high-powered weaponry. Punches, kicks. The villains are tied up and tortured. The lead characters are tied up and threatened with shooting deaths. Cigarette or marijuana smoking. Wine drinking. Infrequent mild language includes "goddammit" and "damn." To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

Where to Watch

Videos and photos.

The Black Book: Paul preaches in his church.

Community Reviews

Parents say (1)

Based on 1 parent review

What's the Story?

Is it any good, 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?

Movie Details

On DVD or streaming : September 22, 2023
Cast : Richard Mofe-Damijo , Ade Laoye , Alex Usifo Omiagbo
Director : Editi Effiong
Inclusion Information : Black directors, Black actors, Female actors, Black writers
Studio : Netflix
Genre : Action/Adventure
Run time : 124 minutes
MPAA rating : NR
Last updated : October 9, 2023

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Suggest an Update

Our editors recommend.

The Man of God

Want personalized picks for your kids' age and interests?

The Legend of the Underground

Best Action Movies for Kids

Best international films for kids.

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

The Black Book (2023)

watch later

not interested / hide

Play Trailer

subscription

Read our dedicated guide on how to watch The Black Book (2023)

30 Best 2023 Foreign Movies on Netflix Right Now

The Cheapest Streaming Services with Local Channels

6 Best Streaming Services for Classics

Amazon Prime Video Review 2024

Hayu vs. Netflix: Which Service Is Right for You?

Isabella Endrinal

Yeah, sometimes the film gets generic, and there are some shots that needed a second take, but ultimately? It’s a pretty decent action thriller. I’m glad that titles like these are available on Netflix.

What it's about

When the system messes with you personally, it’s such a powerful fantasy to be able to settle things with your own hands. To be strong enough to retaliate, and once things are settled, to be strong enough to be left alone, not to be messed with. The Black Book depicts this revenge fantasy, reminiscent of Liam Neeson’s Taken, albeit with corrupt police. The Nigerian action thriller isn’t afraid to go hard, with threats of splitting a person in half by a table saw, dramatic shoot-outs, and fight sequences. However, what makes the thriller work is that all these action sequences are intended to be the reckoning of corrupt institutions. There are some messy parts, certain shots that included some bad takes. Despite this, The Black Book still proves to be entertaining enough to forgive these mishaps.

What stands out

A lot of the plot points in The Black Book would be familiar to fans of action films. Former assassins that left that life, clueless do-gooders, and bad actions done for the “greater good” are tropes that have been used again and again in films. When not done well, these cliches can end up as shallow posturing and can induce eye-rolls from its audience. However, The Black Book takes these character tropes and actually does something with it. Paul Edima may be the classic former assassin returning for revenge, but, without spoiling too much, he actually does ensure justice, not just for himself, but for previous victims. Vic Kalu may be that over-eager, out-of-place journalist, but she actually wants to do some good, and this desire naturally stems from the injustice done to her mother. The Black Book’s use of these tropes may sometimes lead to predictable turns, but these turns tend to be the right ones to take to achieve a satisfying end.

Add a comment

More like this in, bipoc stories, action-packed, character-driven.

La Femme Nikita (1990)

Luc Besson crafts one of film’s most iconic femme fatales in this stylish spy thriller

The Red Violin (1998)

A lost violin bears witness to the world’s search for the sublime in this ambitious anthology

The Sacrifice (1986)

In his final film, Andrei Tarkovsky contemplates the end of the world in this meditative modern twist to the Sacrifice of Isaac

The Guilty (2018)

A minimalist, razor-sharp thriller that will have you gasping for air.

Forgotten Love (2023)

The stunning third take of the classic Polish pre-war melodrama

Yuni (2021)

A powerful drama depicting a coming-of-age journey strangled by societal oppression

System Crasher (2019)

A tale of trauma and one of the most talked about movies on Netflix in 2020.

La Belle Noiseuse (1991)

A sensual, spellbinding masterpiece depicting the creative process and its muse

Leave the World Behind (2023)

Shyamalan meets Black Mirror in this hugely entertaining, visually inventive apocalyptic thriller with a killer ending

Wind River (2017)

Sicario's screenwriter directs this story of murder in an Indigenous reserve

Curated by humans, not algorithms.

Log in or sign up for Rotten Tomatoes

Trouble logging in?

By continuing, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from the Fandango Media Brands .

By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes and to receive email from the Fandango Media Brands .

By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes.

Email not verified

Let's keep in touch.

Sign up for the Rotten Tomatoes newsletter to get weekly updates on:

Upcoming Movies and TV shows
Trivia & Rotten Tomatoes Podcast
Media News + More

By clicking "Sign Me Up," you are agreeing to receive occasional emails and communications from Fandango Media (Fandango, Vudu, and Rotten Tomatoes) and consenting to Fandango's Privacy Policy and Terms and Policies . Please allow 10 business days for your account to reflect your preferences.

OK, got it!

Movies / TV

No results found.

What's the Tomatometer®?
Login/signup

Movies in theaters

Opening this week
Top box office
Coming soon to theaters
Certified fresh movies

Movies at home

Fandango at Home
Netflix streaming
Prime Video
Most popular streaming movies
What to Watch New

Certified fresh picks

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga Link to Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
Hit Man Link to Hit Man
In A Violent Nature Link to In A Violent Nature

New TV Tonight

We Are Lady Parts: Season 2
Eric: Season 1
Geek Girl: Season 1
The Outlaws: Season 3
Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted: Season 4
America's Got Talent: Season 19
Fiennes: Return to the Wild: Season 1
The Famous Five: Season 1
Couples Therapy: Season 4
Celebrity Family Food Battle: Season 1

The Black Book Reviews

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.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Oct 5, 2023

There are interesting components in this Nigerian thriller, but without a stronger sense of cohesion between plot and style, it feels instantly forgettable.

Full Review | Sep 26, 2023

Streaming calendar

The Black Book review: Formulaic film has its own strengths

The Black Book follows Paul, a man who takes justice into his own hands after his innocent son is killed by the corrupt police force and a gang that he was involved with in the past. The film is now streaming on Netflix.

Professor Stella Craig, the director general of the Nigeria Energy & Oil Company, has been courageously fighting corruption. When she starts looking into a particular case, her husband and child are kidnapped and killed.

The police catch one of the kidnappers, but they release him when they find out that he is a senator’s son and claim that the criminal has escaped police custody. They then kill Damilola, a man who resembles the kidnapper, and frame him for the kidnapping.

A journalist named Victoria gets wind of this case and offers to help Damilola’s father, Paul, uncover the truth of his son’s death. Paul refuses to work with Victoria, but Victoria is persistent. She is ready to take risks and expose the criminal activities of the people who are behind Damilola’s murder.

Before Paul became a deacon, he used to be one of the most dangerous men in the country. His son’s death forces Paul to take on not just the powerful people from his past but also the entire police force. Will Paul be able to prove his son’s innocence, or will he lose his life in the process?

Performances

Richard Mofe-Damijo plays Paul, and he convinces the audience that Paul is not even capable of hurting a fly. Later, when Paul has to go back to his old ways, the actor makes him look like a skilled assassin. However, he retains Paul’s gentleness even then.

While Alex Usifo Omiagbo gives an adequate performance, Ade Laoye’s acting is exaggerated. On the other hand, Shaffy Bello depicts Big Daddy as a powerful, poised woman. Her performance makes the audience wish to see more of her.

The film does a good job of portraying the social issues that plague Nigerian society. The voices of honest and law-abiding people go unheard when the police, the government, and even the media are corrupt. General Issa’s final monologue about a liberal society will hit the audience hard.

Furthermore, the society’s portrayal is realistic, as people like Stella Craig, who fight for justice, do not get a happy ending. Instead, they lose their families and everything else that they value. It is this bitter truth that impacts the audience the most.

There are some scenes, like Damilola’s murder, that are hard to watch because the film keeps reminding the audience that is not fiction but fiction that has been inspired by reality. On top of that, in real life, people like Damilola do not have fathers like Paul proving their innocence.

The music in the film certainly elevates the impactful scenes. This is most evident when Paul sees his son’s body. His grief and the music make for a heartbreaking scene.

While the film initially manages to portray the dark reality, it later becomes just as unrealistic. It does not take the audience long to realize that since Paul is the hero, he will succeed no matter the circumstances.

The film is not very different from most other films in which the hero takes matters into his own hands to see that justice is done. It is predictable because it follows the same formula.

The film is also quite dense. It is overstuffed with plot devices, and most of them do not serve any purpose. Additionally, the past is revealed bit by bit, and due to that, there is a lack of clarity about certain plot devices.

The Black Book takes important social issues and emphasizes them very well. However, when it comes to the other aspects, the film is unexceptional.

The Black Book

Director: Editi Effiong

Date Created: 2023-09-22 19:49

Also Read: The Black Book summary and ending explained

More from The Envoy Web

Eric summary and ending explained, geek girl summary and ending explained, monika bogucka: colors of evil: red character explained, bionic summary and ending explained, tadeusz dubiela: colors of evil: red character explained.

Privacy Policy
Media Coverage

Series Recaps
Film Artist
Screen Writing

Latest articles

‘motel melati’ ending explained & movie recap: what happened to dr. kusano, ‘insomnia’ episode 3 recap & ending explained: who is amy, ‘family of two’ ending explained & movie recap: did maricar start dating ed, imogen/ violet in ‘the veil’ explained: how does imogen find out about her father, why was pradhan ji shot in ‘panchayat’ season 3 murder conspiracy, explained, ‘bionic’ 2024 film cast and character guide, ‘colors of evil: red’ ending explained & movie recap: how did monica die.

Masonry of Angry Filmmakers

Privacy Policy
Write For Us

To get email updates from Film Fugitives

Nollywood Movies from Cinemas, Netflix, Prime Video, others

Movie Review: The Black Book (2023) On Netflix Is Great Instead Of Outstanding

Synopsis : In “The Black Book”, old scores bubble to the surface when a gang of corrupt policemen kill a man’s only son, and he begins a search for justice.

The cast .

Alex Usifo – General Isa
Denola Grey – Jesu
Taiwo Ajai-Lycett – Editor
Patrick Doyle – Sen Dipo
Olumide Oworu – Damilola Edima
Asabe Madaki – Baraka
Ikechukwu Onunaku – Deputy Commissioner
Femi Branch – General Craig
Kelechi Udegbe – Officer Abayomi
Shaffy Bello – Big Daddy
Ireti Doyle – Commissioner
Sam Dede – Angel
Funky Mallam – Tanko
Bimbo Akintola – Prof Craig
Bimbo Manuel – Rev’d Omotoso
Ade Laoye – Vic Kalu
Norbert Young – Mr Craig
Richard Mofe-Damijo – Paul Edima
Produced by: Kemi Lala Akindoju
Directed by: Editi Effiong
Written by: Bunmi Ajakaiye

I had really high expectations for The Black Book. The anticipation built by the back story on social media made me expect so much, especially with the kind of funding we were told the producers and the director had to get, the length of the production, and the time in post-production.

I have issues with some parts of the story and how the movie plays out. There are plot holes in the connections of the story. They feel forced and not natural. Because for the story to work the way it is, there are a lot of coincidences, and as this movie mirrors the Nigerian situation, we know such coincidences don’t happen in real life. Some of the story lines are incongruous, the market scenes and the angle of a Kaduna bomb blast being prime examples.

We have a lot of veterans, along a few young actors, in the The Black Book. RMD has always been a king of his craft, and he demonstrates the training he had to endure in this movie. He is fantastic in the role. The role of Big Daddy played by Shaffy Bello is a nod to King of Boys , and she embodies the role well. Patrick Doyle’s role is not impressive at all: his falsetto in this movie grates. For the role he plays, he is too lily-livered, and does not embody the supposed power he has.

Denola Grey’s role in the movie is the most confusing, and for a supposed highly trained assassin, his death is too pedestrian. Kelechi Udegbe gives a great performance, and I look forward to him getting the lead role in a cinematic movie. It feels like Ade Laoye is distracted in the movie. I have seen her in series and other movies; her acting in this one feels forced.

The movie is the story of Nigeria; it feels so familiar, most of it is DeJa’Vu. I wanted some freshness, but it is not there. I kept waiting for more. Of course, there are holes in the plot, but it is still a great movie, with the lead actors giving us great performances.

I will still go back to the amount of money allegedly spent on the movie. This is a thriller, and we get the gritty picture quality to match the story. Weapons handling is good, not fantastic, and fights are well choreographed, just like we see in any good movie that does not have the budget spent on this one. I am disappointed in the cinematography, as it does not match. I expected much more in terms of angles and scenery.

The Black Book is great. It is the Nigerian story, and we recognize it. However, memorable dialogue is the hallmark of fantastic movies. I find no quotable dialogue to speak of in this movie. Yes, the actors interact with each other well, but I find no meme worthy conversation in this movie.

The Black Book sits between Okay and Great. Unfortunately, we don’t have a 3.5 rating, so it gets a 4 (great movie score).

NollyRated Score for The Black Book

Score: 4/5 (Great Movie)

NollyRated uses a 5-level scoring system, as follows:

Outstanding

Join Our Tribe on Twitter: For updates on new Nollywood and Hollywood movies , reviews, cinema reviews, and Nigerian and American movie personalities, join our tribe on Twitter @NollyRated .

The Black Book

Where to Watch

Richard Mofe-Damijo (Paul Edima) Ade Laoye (Vic Kalu) Sam Dede (Angel) Alex Usifo Omiagbo (General Isa) Shaffy Bello (Big Daddy) Kelechi Udegbe (Officer Abayomi) Ikechukwu Onunaku (Deputy Commissioner) Taiwo Ajai-Lycett (Editor) Iretiola Doyle (Commissioner) Bimbo Akintola (Professor Craig)

Editi Effiong

After his son is framed for a kidnapping, a bereaved deacon takes justice into his own hands and fights a corrupt police gang to absolve him.

Recommendations

Word Street Journal

The Black Book (2023) Review: Meets the Expectations of the Action Genre

Nigerian basket of films is filling regularly with new content, especially at the global level on Netflix. The latest to join the party is The Black Book.

It’s a crime actioner that runs for two hours.

At its core, the film explores the age-old theme of the powerful oppressing the powerless, which ultimately awakens the protagonist’s dormant instincts.

While such themes are familiar territory within the action genre, does The Black Book manage to deliver a distinctive and captivating experience?

Continue reading to uncover the answer.

Table of Contents

The Black Book Movie Synopsis

When his son is framed in a popular kidnapping case, a grieving father breaks his shell to deliver justice.

In the quest, he comes across familiar faces who then take him to his past misdeeds.

Directed by Editi Effiong, The Black Book stars Richard Mofe-Damijo (Paul Edima), Ade Laoye (Vic), Sam Dede (Angel), Alex Usifo Omiagbo (General Issa), Olumide Oworu (Damilola Edima), etc.

What Works for The Black Book?

In a world where justice appears out of reach, the only recourse is to take matters into your own hands—a sentiment that succinctly encapsulates the essence of The Black Book.

The film squarely meets the expectations of the action genre, introducing us to a protagonist leading a quiet life until tragedy forcefully barges through his door.

From that moment onward, a turbulent transformation takes center stage. The brilliance of this African production lies in its emotional depth.

The Black Book successfully elicits empathy for its lead character, making you yearn for his evolution as scripted.

Admittedly, the storyline follows a somewhat clichéd trajectory, yet it remains effective due to the skilled execution by the filmmakers.

What truly stands out are the action sequences, grounded in reality without resorting to extravagant theatrics.

While the absence of dual combats might leave some wanting more, the film compensates with sufficiently satisfying skirmishes.

Additionally, The Black Book boasts an aggressive screenplay shrouded in a somber atmosphere of calamitous events.

Its pacing aligns perfectly with the demands of an action-adventure, ensuring that monotony never creeps in.

In comparison to previous African cinematic endeavors like Far From Home and The Brave Ones , The Black Book exudes a refined polish that elevates its appeal.

How are the Performances?

Richard Mofe-Damijo plays Paul Edima, the veteran poster boy of The Black Book. He is sharp, gritty, and a bit ruthless, too.

His style of action is what I liked the most about Damijo. You could watch him all day effortlessly punching goons and breaking their bones.

Also, the actor surrenders to the feelings of Paul Edima, the father. Many action heroes are not subtle with their sentimental side but Richard aces that part pretty well.

Ade Laoye as Vic delivers what is asked of her. Maybe, the writing lets her down but overall, she is an endearing actor to watch on the screen.

What Doesn’t Work for The Black Book?

Some technicalities are off, including transitional flickers, consistency in shot maintenance, and smooth push to the scenes.

They are very numb in nature and might go unnoticed by the naked eye.

Moreover, I would have loved to see Edima’s backstory running alongside the present-day narrative. Keeping it all for late didn’t hit the right chord.

And also, the relationship angle is a bit off. They have chosen to just touch the floor of human connections when they had the entire room to themselves.

Furthermore, the second half of The Black Book has its moments, with the plot falling into place satisfactorily.

However, when compared to the captivating first hour, it somewhat takes a backseat.

Is The Black Book a Worthy Watch?

Yes, it is a movie you should stream. Its storyline is the biggest strength of The Black Book.

10 Days of a Good Man Movie Review: The Storyline Shines; the Plotting of Characters Disappoints
One More Time (2023) Movie Review Netflix: Another Time Loop Film that Entertains and Plays on Emotions
Love at First Sight (2023) Movie Review: A Well-crafted Romcom That Transcends the Genre’s Clichés
The Conference (2023) Movie Review: Great on Many Fronts as a Suspenseful Film But Horror Remains a Far-fetched Aspect

The Black Book (2023) Ending Explained – Does Paul Clear His Son’s Name?

WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS MAJOR SPOILERS

The Black Book is an intricate thriller with many players and no payoff in the end. The book itself carries significance and becomes the one thing that everyone wants. People are kidnapped and killed over the contents of this book, and it becomes overstuffed with characters.

The way journalists are handled in this film is brutal, but it also shows the fight for justice and the truth. It proves that journalists are never looking for anything else in return. They want to help people get what they deserve. It’s hard for one person to fight a system, and Paul is the prime example of that. He needs to do everything in his power to absolve his past in order to help others get by General Issa and his men.

Paul is someone who acknowledged his faults and walked away when he could. Others aren’t as fortunate because they get sucked into the lifestyle and the protection of the community around them. Sometimes, standing alone is better than having people around who could harm you in more ways than one.

Does Paul Clear His Son’s Name?

Fortunately for all of them, someone does send a video of General Issa’s men killing Nigerian soldiers to the military. Naturally, the military does turn against General Issa, and his men start leaving him, one by one.

After the police see that this has happened to General Issa, they give Paul Edima his son so he can bury him whenever he wants. He does give him the proper burial he deserves. It is unclear if he does clear his son’s name because of the video the military receives.

Perhaps they realized that this man could frame someone else for the kidnapping, and that’s why they turned the body over to Paul.

What happens with Victoria?

Any journalist involved in something this intricate and dangerous almost always has a rough time. Paul gives Victoria the black book and tells her to do them justice by releasing all the information in it.

Paul never intended to get Victoria this involved and wanted to protect her because of how much she helped him clear his son’s name. It’s tough for Victoria to even look at Paul after everything he told her in confidence. She did get kidnapped because of him and because of the black book.

This black book became the central focus instead of his son and has been passed around from person to person. After Victoria is the journalist who shouldn’t have been involved, she now has the power to dismantle this gang from the inside out.

What did you think of the ending of The Black Book? Comment below.

Is The Black Book on Netflix based on a true story?
The Black Book Review

Article by Amanda Guarragi

Amanda Guarragi joined Ready Steady Cut as an Entertainment Writer in June 2022. She is a Toronto-based film critic who has covered TIFF, Sundance Film Festival, Austin Film Festival, and HorrorFest International. Amanda is also a growing YouTuber, with her channel Candid Cinema growing in popularity.

recap-five-days-at-memorial-season-1-episode-1-apple-tv-plus-series

Five Days at Memorial season 1, episode 1 recap - "Day One"

The Morning Show Season 3 Episode 5 Recap

This website cannot be displayed as your browser is extremely out of date.

Please update your browser to one of the following: Chrome , Firefox , Edge

Letterboxd — Your life in film

Forgotten username or password ?

Start a new list…
Add all films to a list…
Add all films to watchlist

Add to your films…

Press Tab to complete, Enter to create

A moderator has locked this field.

Add to lists

Where to watch

The black book.

Directed by Editi Effiong

After his son is wrongly accused of kidnapping, a deacon who has just lost his wife takes matters into his own hands and fights a crooked police gang to clear him.

Richard Mofe-Damijo Ade Laoye Sam Dede Alex Usifo Omiagbo Shaffy Bello Kelechi Udegbe Ikechukwu Onunaku Taiwo Ajai-Lycett Ireti Doyle Bimbo Akintola Femi Branch Patrick Doyle Bimbo Manuel Denola Grey Funky Mallam Nobert Young Madaki Asabe Boki Ofodile

Director Director

Editi Effiong

Producers Producers

Kemi Lala Akindoju Editi Effiong

Writers Writers

Editi Effiong Bunmi Ajakaiye

Editor Editor

Antonio Rui Ribeiro

Cinematography Cinematography

Yinka Edward

Composer Composer

Kulanen Ikyo

Sound Sound

Alexey Kobzar

Makeup Makeup

Carina Ojoko

Anakle Films

Releases by Date

22 sep 2023, releases by country.

Digital 16 Netflix
Digital Netflix

Puerto Rico

Digital R Netflix
Digital NC16
Digital 15 Netflix

124 mins More at IMDb TMDb Report this page

Popular reviews

Review by Ade ★★ 4

“Silence is the enemy.”

Started very well, with shoddy acting here and there, but just like most Nollywood films, it swelled up and became too bloated. Overcooked spaghetti things.

But the film filter and some good cinematography moments got me to watch till the end. The score is definitely rooted from somewhere not close to the shores of Nigeria but it works… The director Editi Effiong, brought a generic style of filming that local film lovers over here swoon on thereby treating it to be different, more modern and stylish but we need to learn that a good film don’t really need to get overworked on… a director’s job in a Nollywood film shouldn’t rely solely on trying…

Review by nmoroti ½ 1

And another Nigerian movie that confuses spectacle for art. Then there’s that thing where, because these movies are focused on aping Nigeria and Nigerian culture for an outside (a western) audience, they end up existing in a weirdly and slightly alternate universe where at once everything is both familiar and unfamiliar. But this one’s crimes go much further than that. It’s a stupid movie that insults the intelligence of its audience by explaining every single plot point. Believing itself profound, it caricatures what is complicated about a system and its people, imposing on very Nigerian characters (pastors, journalist, the police) and daily realities western motivations that make them into unbelievable and silly joke fodder. Its action sequences are poorly shot…

Review by Luke Thorne ★★

Editi Effiong’s crime thriller. When his son is suspected for a kidnapping, a mourning deacon takes justice into his own hands and battles a crooked cop gang to release him of both his corruptions and his offences.

Richard Mofe-Damijo gives an okay performance in his role as Paul Edima, the man who doesn’t show a great deal of determination in terms of trying to get vengeance on the demise of his son, while Ade Laoye as Vic Kalu and Alex Usifo as General Issa don’t offer much in their respective parts.

Elsewhere, Olumide Oworu as Damilola Edima, Shaffy Bello as Big Daddy, Ireti Doyle as Commissioner and Sam Dede as Angel all offer little in their respective roles and it…

Review by deeolak ★½ 2

Even a review on this will bore you

Review by YukiSaito ★★★★★ 1

everyone hates this movie but i like it ? am i the problem ?

Review by cfennell ★★

Two stars for big daddy and her girls only

Review by Villeneuve23 ★★

Nigerian John Wick goes hard 🗣️🔥

Review by MaidenOfDeath ★

Omg this is so ass

Review by Dimeji Ogunranti ★★

A film is permitted to have corny dialogue. But you're not permitted to have bad character development.

It's a film of payoffs and no build up.

Geriatric John Wick and a shallow version of Saloum.

Review by Raymond J. Yusuff ★★

Them do denola dirty sha

Review by temiabiona ★★½

John Wick but with jollof

Review by Dan ★½

Woovember 7

Watch action films from 3 different countries Progress - 8/31

I saw an article about this film right before Woovember kicked off and they billed it as "the Nigerian John Wick " and so I figured if it's half of what that should be, I'd be entertained. Well it's not. It's over two hours and while the Wick films are able to stretch out to that length, this opts for padded dialogue by mediocre actors rather than nonstop hand-to-hand combat or gun fights. In fact, there is so much less action in this than I expected that I wouldn't find it a stretch to just call it a drama. I don't want to beat up on the actors, director,…

Select your preferred poster

TheMovieCityBlog

The Black Book: A Must-See Nollywood Action Thriller That Will Keep You on the Edge of Your Seat!

Page Contents

INTRODUCTION .

In 2023, ‘ The Black Book ‘ emerged as an electrifying Nigerian crime thriller, masterfully crafted by Editi Effiong. This riveting cinematic masterpiece features a stellar ensemble cast, including Richard Mofe-Damijo, Sam Dede, Shaffy Bello, Femi Branch, Alex Usifo, Ade Laoye, and Ireti Doyle. Audiences were captivated when it graced Netflix screens on September 22, 2023.

From RottenTomatoes , After his son is framed for a kidnapping, a bereaved deacon takes justice into his own hands and fights a corrupt police gang to absolve him.

THE BLACK BOOK FILM REVIEW .

“ You might never see me again, but I must leave you one last task. It would help if you felt no guilt about doing what you must do. The past must be to save the future truly “, narrates Paul Edima.

Welcomed by the vibrant rhythms of Fela Kuti’s Afrobeat anthem, “ Ako ,” the movie commences amid a traffic jam on Lagos’ bustling streets, where cars and motorcycles are at a standstill. Suddenly, armed individuals storm the scene, forcing Mr. Craig, a man of considerable wealth, to surrender himself. Shockingly, due to the cry of his infant child and the compassion they felt for the child, they also seized it. The police swiftly arrive, apprehending one of the culprits while the others evade capture.

As is customary in Lagos, news of such incidents spreads rapidly through the press. In this case, the media reports that the detained criminal linked to the kidnapping of Mr. Craig, has escaped. He is described as a tall black male with dreadlocks. This triggers a manhunt to track down the escapee.

Damilola Edima and his father, Paul, reside in this vibrant city of Lagos. Damilola, an individual who humorously refers to Jesus as Santa Claus, receives an invitation from his father to attend a church fellowship event. This proposition proves challenging, as Damilola harbors resentment toward God for the tragic loss of his mother. Despite his inner conflict, he resolves to please his father, if only for this one occasion.

As he makes his way to the church after a day’s work, an unforeseen obstacle arises when he encounters SARKS, a formidable military presence on the streets. To their eyes, Damilola appears to fit the description of the escaped criminal. In a grim turn of events, the SARKS operative accuses him of being involved in cybercrime, commonly known as “ Yahoo ” activities, tragically ends his life by the shoreline.

The driver responsible for Damilola’s journey to church suddenly finds himself accused of complicity in the crime. Fearing for his safety, he flees to the church and urgently informs Paul about the horrifying incident. Filled with a potent mix of sorrow and rage, Paul, who also holds the title of Deacon, follows the driver to the beach, where he discovers his lifeless son, the victim of an unjust killing.

As he awaited the police investigation, he made his way to the police station in search of documents related to his son’s tragic murder. However, his request was denied, leading to a surge of frustration that ultimately boiled over into a violent outburst directed at an officer.

Consequently, he found himself behind bars. In this dire situation, Vic Kalu, a determined journalist, driven by the pursuit of truth, stepped in to secure Paul’s release.

Consumed by anger and grief, Paul is driven to abandon his newfound faith and return to his previous, darker ways. From this point forward, the story takes a grim and violent turn as tensions escalate and the pursuit of justice carries a bloody path.

The Black Book emerges as a standout in Hollywood’s 2023 film lineup. It captivates its audience through a diverse cast of characters, stunning visuals, and masterful cinematography. Moreover, as mentioned in the introduction, it delves deep into critical themes that resonate with Nigerian society.

Going into this film, the only thing I had seen was the trailer, which Netflix posted on Twitter, and this trailer sparked a wide range of opinions about whether the driver responsible for taking Damilola Edima to church was supposed to be present when the SARKS operative labeled him an accomplice or whether he was supposed to run for his life. Remarkably, the trailer alone offered a profound insight into Nigerian society, compelling me to take a chance on the movie.

As customary, I will commence my review by discussing the cast, highlighting those who left a lasting impression and others whose performances may fade into obscurity.

I found Paul Edimna’s performance to be awe-inspiring. His presence on the screen was dominant, making it impossible for me not to be captivated by his character. He and Vic Kalu, who also played a significant role, underwent adequate character development. These two individuals unquestionably stole the spotlight and left me thoroughly engaged. I genuinely admired their characters and the way they brought them to life. However, it’s worth noting that their portrayals weren’t flawless, as there were moments of overexpression and instances where they could have displayed more emotion. Inconsistencies in their performances were apparent.

Additionally, although portraying notorious roles, Alex Usifo, Sam Dede, and Shaffy Bello delivered theatrical performances that left a strong impression.

The visual aesthetics, locations, and set design were exceptional. The cinematography, lighting, and costumes were historically accurate and creatively dynamic. The production crew deserves commendation for their remarkable work, and the sound quality was impeccable. Yinka Edward, as always, excelled in photography, and the set design effectively conveyed the rugged ambiance of the story.

The first and final acts were both noteworthy, with the latter creating a tense and captivating atmosphere. However, I must admit that the second act left much to be desired. While I understand it served as a build-up to the climax, I struggled to focus on the film during this part. It felt disjointed and uninteresting.

The action sequences in this movie needed more precision, undermining the film’s potential impact due to poorly executed and disorganized action scenes. Effective directing and cinematography should ensure clarity, even amid chaotic moments.

The central theme of this movie aimed to inspire people to stand up and take action against the unjust framing and killing of innocent young men, emphasizing the message that “Silence is the enemy.

CONCLUSION .

This beautifully done crime Nollywood film delves into the universal human experience, transcending geographical boundaries and highlighting that the thirst for power is not confined solely to developing nations like Nigeria. The producer spared no effort in portraying the sinister nature of this instinct and its corrosive influence on all aspects of life.

The actors delivered exceptional performances, showcasing their depth and talent, although Nollywood still has room for improvement in executing Hollywood-caliber action sequences.

This film is rated R and can only be seen on Netflix.

People also Read – Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

Images used in this work belongs to the respective movie and its copyright holders. We do not claim any legal rights or ownership over this image, and we appreciate the movie’s creators for sharing such a captivating visual.

Please sign up for our newsletter to be alerted when new content is published and also, don’t forget to leave your thoughts in the comment section.

Note : If you subscribe to our newsletter, the review sent to your email is automatically routed to the promotion mail area, but you can move it to your primary inbox by adding our email to your address book by clicking the ‘Add us to your address book‘ button at the end of our review email.

The Black Book (2023) Movie Ending Explained: What is the black book?

The Black Book (2023) centers around Paul Edima, a deacon whose return to a world of crime happens after his son’s tragic and wrongful death at the hands of the police in Nigeria. The world of crime is enmeshed with cobwebs that have every societal institution trapped in it, from the police to the army and the press.

*Spoiler alert*

The Black Book (2023) Plot Summary & Movie Synopsis:

The film opens with a man and a baby being kidnapped at gunpoint amidst busy traffic in the city of Lagos, Nigeria. A suspect is pinned down and taken into custody. However, the morning news reveals that the kidnapping suspect has escaped police custody. The man who has been kidnapped is the husband of Professor Stella Craig, the director general of the Nigeria Energy and Oil Company, or the NEOC. The kidnappers have also got their baby.

Paul Edima and his son, Damilola, live together after Paul’s wife’s death. While Paul is a deacon, Damilola is aversive to preaching and praying. Moreover, Paul is highly revered in their community.

Stella Craig soon gets a call from the kidnappers. The kidnappers ask her to choose the one – between her husband and baby – whom she wants to see alive. However, despite Stella begging the kidnappers to leave the baby, the baby gets killed first. Following this, Stella Craig resigns from her post. It is clear that Stella’s anti-corruption stance has, by default, positioned her as the object of the wrath of the kidnappers. Stella’s resignation has ensured Jubril Dauda’s appointment as the new NEOC DG through the backdoor by General Issa. This is done to let the corruption fester without any possible protestations or impediments.

On the other hand, Damilola agrees to join his father at the church. However, the father never sees his son fulfilling his desire as Damilola gets killed on his way by the SAKS (Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad) men. The news circulates a description of the absconding suspect– black, tall, and with dreadlocks. Since Damilola readily fits the description, he is easily made the target to hide the real suspect.

A journalist, Vic Kalu, approaches Paul to help him build up a case against the police for wrongful death. But Paul is unmoved. To cope with Damilola’s passing, Paul starts believing it was a divine punishment for the sins he committed in the past. He is stern while he asserts the innocence of his deceased son. Meanwhile, Vic pleads with a police officer to release the file that could prove Dami’s innocence.

Paul’s calm and composed demeanor falls apart at the police station as he goes there to extract the case file and gets insulted instead. Paul is sent into the lock-up. Vic assures Paul that she will arrange for a bail the next day. In prison, the police unleash the worst form of violent torture on Paul on account of being the progenitor of a ‘criminal.’ Later at night, they throw him in the ditch.

Vic has made some progress in terms of getting her hands on the police report secretly. She tries to bring it to Paul’s notice, but the latter stresses that she should leave the case as it is for her own safety. Quoting the words of the Bible, “Vengeance is mine, and I will repay,” Paul says that he believes God will ensure justice for his son and, therefore, Vic should not intervene. This agitates Vic as she believes that the ignorance of the people of Nigeria and their blind faith in God taking care of justice has only exacerbated the woeful condition of young people getting killed wrongfully.

With the help of his friend, Paul tracks down the SAKS officers who were involved in the murder of his son. The men, stripped off their clothes and tied to a sawboard, have no other recourse than to spit it all out. Paul records their confession and, after the torture session is over, ties them to an electric pole in the middle of a busy street. Vic gets hold of the recording where a SAKS official is seen hinting at some politician behind all this and takes it to her boss. The boss, however, pretends to destroy the hard drive, citing Vic’s safety. She passes the information of the recording to the DC of police.

Paul Edimo meets Stella Craig

After the police discover the body of Stella Craig’s husband and baby, Vic takes Paul to Stella Craig to find out more about his son’s death. Stella reveals that she hoped that her stepping away would at least spare her husband’s life, but the kidnappers killed him anyway. The threats started coming her way after she dug deep into the files of certain oil blocs.

Stella hands over the files to Paul and Vic and asks them to give meaning to her sacrifices. Later, Vic finds a possible link to an oil company, Patriot Oil, with confidential ownership. Knowing fully well what lies ahead, Paul forces Vic to leave the case yet again, as it is bound to put her life at stake.

Paul framed for murder of SAKS official

Before leaving, Vic shows Paul the news that he has been framed for the murder of an SAKS official. Meanwhile, armed men cordon off his house. Paul hides Vic and takes down the men.

These men have been sent to the house with Angel, a man Paul knew from his past life. When Paul asks him to reveal the real culprit’s identity, Angel replies that he has sent more sons to graves while he was the General’s favorite weapon. Paul figures out that Dipo is the one who has sent the people to kill him. Subsequently, Paul demands a live video confession of Angel, Dipo, and his son.

Paul meets the General the next day, demanding that Paul walk away from the case in exchange for one million dollars. On the other hand, Paul is only interested in getting his son’s body.

Paul Edima is Public Enemy Number One

General Issa is unhappy with Senator Dipo and threatens that Paul will come after him since he killed his son. Following a deal with the General, Paul has stayed quiet for 24 years. So, the General is clearly not the one to jeopardize Paul’s life. He turns to Dipo and says that he would rather have Paul teach him a lesson. General Issa says that he has ordered someone to kill all the police officers. The blame again shifts to Paul, and the commissioner declares him as the public enemy number one.

Vic’s connection to Paul

During General Issa’s reign, drug trafficking reached its zenith due to its profitability. Paul Edima was one of the people he appointed to be in his private squad. Senator Dipo was a drug smuggler at that time. The media was a sell-out except for Vic’s mother, a journalist, who refused to kowtow to Issa’s demands and threats. So, Paul was given the task of getting rid of the woman. However, after he was done doing the deed, he realized Vic had been watching it all along.

Unable to kill the child, Paul left her at a church and silently took care of her upbringing. Paul knew all along that it was the same Vic who is trying to help in this case. That is why he tried to push her away from the case. This infuriates Vic, whose world has turned upside down after coming face to face with the truth. He accuses Father Omotosho of falling into Paul’s trap by being lured in by his money. When she leaves crying, she gets kidnapped by Issa’s men.

The Black Book (2023) Movie Ending Explained:

What is the black book.

Taking Big Daddy’s help, whose own men were murdered by the General, Paul sets out to take down General Issa. All of Issa’s misdeeds were carefully secured in a black book by Paul. The deal that he made 24 years ago with General Issa was so that he would step down from the life of crime in exchange for this book.

Paul and Big Daddy arrive at the General’s ranch to rescue Vic. When Paul manages to convince the General that he has arrived unarmed, Big Daddy ambushes the ranch with her squad of women.

When General Issa remains busy with Paul, Big Daddy and her women reach the safe where the black book and a hard drive are kept. The video of the hard drive is incriminating enough for General Issa. In it, he is seen killing four Nigerian army men to cover up his mining operations. General Issa loses all support when the video is circulated among the army circles. The military turns against him. Paul asks him to take his own life with a gun as it’s the only way out. But he points it at Paul instead.

Finally, Vic reaches the ranch where Paul has left the black book for her. Among other things, Paul says that once she goes through the black book, she will find that her mother was betrayed by the woman Vic reveres, Judith, her boss. Paul leaves with the hope that Vic turns out to be as brave as her mother.

The film ends with Paul burying his son’s body in their backyard.

The Black Book (2023) Movie Links: IMDb , Wikipedia The Black Book (2023) Movie Cast: Richard Mofe-Damijo , Ade Laoye, Sam Dede

Where to watch the black book, trending right now.

To fine-tune May Sarton's words-- the films we love are built into us. M.A. Film Studies, Jadavpur University (2022).

Ghost Stories Netflix (2020) Review: Occasionally Unnerving But Never Scary

Fleishman Is in Trouble Episodes 1 & 2: Recap & Ending Explained – Where is Rachel Fleishman?

Colossal [2017]: Sundance Film Festival Review

The Billion Dollar Code [2021] Netflix Review – A Story About Two Friends That Calls Out Google’s Hypocrisy

Sex Education (Season 3): Recap & Ending Explained – Why does Maeve go to America?

Flee [2021] Review: A Gripping Tale of the Pursuit to Find a Home

HP Elite x360 1040 G11 vs Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M3, 2023)

Key Differences

Includes an old-school USB-A port
Slightly easier to carry: weighs 170 grams less (around 0.37 lbs)
Around 21% better multi-core CPU performance in the Cinebench R23 test
Display has support for touch input
Better webcam recording quality
Higher screen refresh rate: 120 versus 60 Hz
MacBook with the Apple M3 chip maintains its performance even when running on battery power.
Higher number of cutting-edge USB Type-C ports: 3 versus 2
Features a bigger (~25%) battery – 70 against 56 watt-hours
Thinner bezels and 3% higher screen-to-body ratio
57% sharper screen – 254 versus 162 pixels per inch (PPI)
Provides 50% higher max. screen brightness: 600 vs 400 nits

Value for money

Tests and specifications, graphics card, connectivity, cast your vote, related comparisons.

June 2024 Books by Black Authors We Can't Wait to Read

June 2024 books by black authors we can't wait to read, a new walter mosley mystery, the secrets of african holistic healing and a collection of poems about black womanhood are on our list of best beach reads..

The unofficial start of summer is upon us, which means it’s time to pack your bags and head to the beach. Lucky for you, June is loaded with amazing titles from Black authors that you won’t be able to put down. From a steamy summer romance about friends who become something more to the origin story of one of the most powerful members of the Marvel Universe, these are the Black books we can’t wait to read in June.

“Everything and Nothing at Once: A Black Man’s Reimagined Soundtrack for The Future” by Joél Leon (June 4)

Image for article titled June 2024 Books by Black Authors We Can't Wait to Read

In “Everything and Nothing at Once,” Bronx native Joél Leon shares a collection of essays that reflect his experience growing up Black in America and how he learned to free himself of the stereotypes he once thought defined his place in the world.

“Love Out Loud: Building a Relationship and Family From Scratch” by Terrell and Jarius Joseph (June 4)

LGBTQ+ influencers Terrell and Jarius Joseph share how they’ve created a loving family and a thriving business in “Love Out Loud,” a guidebook designed to help families of all kinds live the life of their dreams.

“A Love Like The Sun” by Riss M. Nelson (June 11)

“A Love Like The Sun” is the steamy summer romance we need this June. The story centers around Laniah and Issac, two friends who start a fake relationship to save Laniah’s business. But, of course, their feelings go from fake to very real and they have to decide whether to stay in the friend zone or follow their hearts.

“We Refuse: A Forceful History of Black Resistance” by Kellie Carter Jackson (June 4)

In “We Refuse,” historian Kellie Carter Jackson writes about the history of Black resistance to white supremacy – from Martin Luther King’s non-violence to Malcolm X’s “by any means necessary” approach – and offers Black people a path forward toward liberation.

“Storm: Dawn of a Goddess” by Tiffany D. Jackson (June 4)

In “Storm: Dawn of a Goddess,” Tiffany D. Jackson gives us the origin story of Storm, a member of Marvel’s X-Men. Even if you aren’t already a fan of the series, you’ll want to devour the story of how Ororo Munroe goes from a teen thief on the streets of Cairo to one of the most powerful members of the Marvel Universe with the ability to control the weather.

“Farewell, Amesthystine” by Walter Mosley (June 4)

Detective Easy Rawlins is back in “Farewell, Amethystine,” Walter Mosley’s latest mystery. This time he’s trying to help a woman find her missing ex-husband. But while he works on her case, he falls deep into the memories of his own past.

“Magic Enuff: Poems” by Tara M. Stringfellow (June 25)

From Tara M. Stringfellow, the bestselling author of “Memphis,” comes “Magic Enuff,” a collection of poems that capture all that is strong, resilient and beautiful about Black womanhood.

“Curvy Girl Summer” by Danielle Allen (June 11)

Danielle Allen’s “Curvy Girl Summer” is described as “Bridget Jones’s Diary” meets “Survival of the Thickest.” When her family suggests that she’s too much for a man to handle – literally, Aaliyah James sets out to find true love before her thirtieth birthday. But after going on way more blind dates than she would like, a local bartender makes her see that love is closer than she thinks.

“Devil is Fine” by John Vercher (June 18)

“Devil is Fine” is the story of a biracial man mourning the death of his teenage son. As he tries to deal with his grief, the man finds out he’s inherited a plot of land from his estranged grandfather – land he learns is a former slave plantation owned by men on his white mother’s side of the family.

“One of Our Kind” by Nicola Yoon (June 11)

“One of Our Kind” is bestselling author Nicola Yoon’s latest novel. The story, set in an all-Black gated community, follows a couple who moves their family to the community to find like-minded neighbors and enjoy a better quality of life. But everything changes when they learn a terrible secret about the community and its founders.

“Motherland Herbal: The Story of African Holistic Health” by Stephanie Rose Bird (June 11)

“Motherland Herbal” is a celebration of African holistic healing. Stephanie Rose Bird shares recipes for cleaning, health and wellness, self-care and more that are steeped in African tradition.

“The message of this book is: hold onto your yams, your collards, watermelon, and roots. There is magic, mystery, connection, and healing stored within them,” she writes.

“The Grandest Garden” by Gina L. Carroll

“The Grandest Garden” is a beautiful coming of age story from author Gina L. Carroll. The story centers around Bella, a young woman trying to start her life as a photographer in New York City. But in order to be successful, she has to overcome the trauma of her childhood.

“Soul Step” by Jewell Parker Rhodes and Kelly McWilliams (June 4)

“Soul Step” is a beautiful children’s book from mother-daughter duo Jewell Parker Rhodes and Kelly McWilliams. The book explores the tradition of step in the Black community and the loving relationship between a mother and daughter.

Recent UW Law Faculty Scholarship: Standing for Elections in State Courts; White-on-Black Crime: Revisiting the Convict Leasing Narrative; Function Versus Consequence in Restraint of Trade Analysis; and Judicial Biography of Australian Justice, Sir Gerard Brennan Book Review

Here is the latest faculty scholarship appearing in the University of Wisconsin Law School Legal Studies Research Papers series found on SSRN.

Standing for Elections in State Courts Univ. Ill. L. Rev. (Forthcoming, 2024) by MIRIAM SEIFTER , UW Law School, and Adam B. Sopko, State Democracy Research Initiative

Election-related litigation is soaring. Litigants regularly challenge every aspect of an election cycle, from who can vote to how votes are cast and counted to the certification of results. Courts have thrown out many of these lawsuits on standing grounds. Given the requirements of traditional federal standing doctrine—including the requirement of individualized injury rather than generalized grievances—these dismissals are at least plausible in federal court.

But most election-related lawsuits today are filed in state court, where standing doctrine is and should be different. State courts are not bound by Article III of the U.S. Constitution, have constitutional commitments to democracy and open courts, and typically have more flexible justiciability doctrines. This Essay urges state courts to build on that foundation through a presumptively permissive approach to election standing. State courts fulfill their judicial role by redressing rather than avoiding threats to state-level democracy. And deciding election-related lawsuits on the merits serves important functions of stability, certainty, and finality, as well as confidence in election outcomes.

To be sure, the surge in election-related litigation is suboptimal, and some share of the lawsuits are meritless or brought in bad faith. Our argument is simply that standing doctrine is not the best tool for rejecting these lawsuits. The Essay describes other techniques that courts can use to deal with abusive or burdensome litigation without undermining the openness that is foundational to state judicial systems.

White-on-Black Crime: Revisiting the Convict Leasing Narrative 2024 Wis. L. Rev. (Forthcoming, 2024) by ION MEYN , UW Law School

Between 1880 and 1915, the Southern criminal legal system enslaved and re-enslaved legally emancipated Black persons. Under the conventional account of this period, the law facilitated and legitimatized these practices, however odious and racially discriminatory. This view—one that critiques as it accepts the legality of the system—provides an explanation for a significant number of cases in which a Black person was convicted and sent to forced labor.

And yet, there is growing evidence that many convictions were not facilitated by law but rather the result of criminal conspiracies to traffic Black victims. County-level arrest data indicates “convictions” occurred in lockstep with the labor demands of businesses that contracted with local state actors. Numerous personal accounts from victims and their families indicate that arrests occurred in the absence of any criminal suspicion. This empirical data suggests many Black “convicts” were instead victims of human trafficking. Because completing these White-on-Black crimes required coordination among multiple parties, a criminal conspiracy was formed that implicated White participants in kidnapping, false imprisonment, perjury, peonage, reckless endangerment, and reckless homicide.

This Essay examines archival evidence that suggests the criminal trafficking of Black men was a common, if not widespread, practice between 1880 to 1915. Under this alternative view the term “convict leasing” is over-inclusive and mislabels these victims of human trafficking. Under the alternative view the historical Black crime rate is not only inflated but fabricated; conversely, the historical White crime rate omits a significant amount of criminal activity. This alternative view centers the criminal conduct of White beneficiaries, inviting a close accounting of their crimes and ill-gotten gains.

Function Versus Consequence in Restraint of Trade Analysis 53 Univ. Baltimore L. Rev. 387 (2024) by PETER CARSTENSEN , UW Law School

The conventional interpretation of the Sherman Act’s prohibition of agreements in restraint of trade is, at best, ambiguous and uncertain. Conduct such as price fixing among competitors is per se illegal, except when it is not. Although the stated basis for the distinction is unclear, the function of the agreement embodying the restraint explains the apparently conflicting results. Regrettably, courts and commentators usually employ this conventional classification framework that focuses on desirability of the putative consequences of specific agreements. These categories have intuitive appeal but lack substantive coherence. In contrast, the functional approach focuses on the nature of the agreement in restraint of trade itself. The core of this approach is the distinction between naked and ancillary restraints. The policy goal is the preservation of the market process rather than a primary concern for the consequences of specific restraints on any measure of economic welfare. It is the thesis of this essay that the functional approach provides a better method to explain and predict the results of specific cases. It is more consistent with the language and meaning of the Sherman Act. It is also a better method for the analysis of restraints of trade. Because, like the conventional framework, the functional approach necessarily must employ presumptions, its normative merit is contingent on the scope and application of those presumptions.

Judicial Biography of Australian Justice, Sir Gerard Brennan Book Review Univ. Wis. Legal Studies Research Paper No. 1805 (2024) by WILLIAM H. CLUNE , UW Law School

This is a book review in interview format with me interviewing the book’s author, Jeffrey Fitzgerald. The book is a judicial biography of the famous and influential Australian jurist, Sir Gerard Brennan. Largely in chronological sequence, the book also identifies cross-cutting themes such as the evolution of his jurisprudence over time.

My questions are designed to highlight issues that have parallels in American law, thus introducing the book to American readers. A second focus is the interaction of law and society. Law and society issues pervade the book because it is a longitudinal account of the judge’s encounters with important legal issues that arose in a changing Australian society, his influence on that society, and the corresponding evolution of his jurisprudence. It is law as both a dependent and independent variable, a classic law and society formulation. The judge’s decisions and jurisprudence operate as “constitutive law,” reflecting both the influence of society on law and its influence on society while remaining relatively autonomous from both. Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Steven Breyer’s recent exposition of judicial “pragmatism” is congruent with the jurisprudence of Justice Brennan.

The paper has eight parts with questions and answers as sub-parts: (1) the book and Brennan’s career; (2) constitutional law, federalism, separation of powers, judicial review; (3) civil rights, aboriginal people’s rights, racial discrimination, and other rights; (4) impact on other areas of law (e.g., torts, contracts, criminal law); (5) Brennan’s principles of jurisprudence (6) the High Court, its divisions, and politics (7) personal, family, and professional life; (8) conclusion: mutual influence of law and society.

For the full text of these works and additional scholarship from UW Law faculty and staff, visit the University of Wisconsin Law School Legal Studies Research Paper Series on SSRN. A free email subscription is available at the top right of the page.

7 Best Refrigerator Brands and Models, According to Testing

Who makes the best refrigerators? We share our Lab and consumer data.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Our top picks:

BEST OVERALL

Lg instaview door-in-door refrigerator.

Maytag Wide French Door Refrigerator

Best Side-by-Side

Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerator.

Best French Door

Ge french door refrigerator with ice maker.

BEST COUNTER-DEPTH

Samsung french door refrigerator with dual auto ice maker.

BEST DESIGN-FORWARD

Café french door smart refrigerator.

Best Luxury Refrigerator

Bosch 800 series french door bottom mount refrigerator.

Few appliances in your kitchen get as much use as your refrigerator, so reliability is important. Fortunately, most refrigerators are built to last. In a survey encompassing nearly 2,000 participants, we discovered that over 20 percent of respondents had owned their refrigerators for over a decade, with Whirlpool, GE and Kenmore emerging as the most reliable refrigerator brands.

In our survey, we learned that LG was one of the most popular fridge brands among our pool of responders. Most bought their LGs within the past five years, and almost all said they would buy an LG fridge again.

Based on the models we tested and the many we've seen at trade shows and in showrooms, LG makes thoughtfully designed, high-performing refrigerators. What really distinguishes it is the unique door-in-door feature: The InstaView technology turns on the interior lights when you tap on the easy-access see-through door. Then you can quickly grab a snack without opening the full door.

We like this fridge's storage options, though some may find the in-door shelving slightly shallow. Dual ice makers allow you to dispense ice from the door and scoop from a bin in the freezer.

We also tested this Craft Ice smart model from LG, which features the same door-in-door design but without the see-through panel. It's Wi-Fi enabled and features a craft ice maker that makes clear, cocktail-sized ice balls. For a lower-fuss option, consider the LG bottom-freezer fridge, which had excellent temperature control and uniformity in our test, plus an ice maker that stores cubes in a bin.

Maytag stands out for building reliable refrigerators that don’t break the bank . One survey respondent shared that theirs has remained in service for an impressive 24 years and counting!

This model features convenient slide-out shelves and a built-in water and ice dispenser equipped with a filter. In our tests, both fridge and freezer temperatures remained consistently stable, and the door shelves maintained a cool enough temperature for safe dairy storage — a rarity among most refrigerators. While our lettuce stayed fresh for five days in the crisper, adjusting the controls proved slightly tricky. (Keep the manual handy!)

For many years, Maytag has also been our choice for the best top-freezer refrigerator , thanks to its sleek design, well-lit interior and durable glass shelves. It reliably maintains temperatures without any noticeable cold spots , as confirmed through extensive consumer home testing.

According to our survey respondents, Whirlpool ranks as the second most popular refrigerator brand .

Whirlpool's 36-inch side-by-side refrigerator is consistently favored by our consumer testers. This model boasts excellent temperature control and uniformity . Plus, it has convenient features such as a built-in water filter, water dispenser and ice maker in the door.

An accessible ice bin inside the freezer door allows you to scoop bulk ice if you don't want to wait for ice to dispense. Its digital controls operate quietly and a door-open alarm ensures timely alerts so the fridge is not left ajar. With its four door bins and transparent slide-out shelves, stocking your favorite foods is a breeze. The side-by-side configuration allows easy access to frequently used fresh and frozen items at eye level. With shelves offering a smaller span compared to most French-door refrigerators, items are less likely to get lost in the depths of the fridge or freezer. However, the in-door dispenser does sacrifice a portion of freezer shelf space.

A significant portion of our survey respondents own a GE refrigerator and praise its design aesthetics and ample storage capacity.

This French-door refrigerator from GE has a bright interior with adjustable shelves, f acilitating effortless organization of various items, including wine bottles and water pitchers . The assortment of drawers adds to its appeal: It includes two designated for fruits and vegetables and a lengthy, shallow drawer spanning the fridge's width that is ideal for storing cheese, deli meats and other small items. The fridge’s water dispenser doesn’t encroach on interior space.

The equally spacious freezer boasts an ice maker and a slim upper drawer that helps keep food organized. Movable dividers allow you to customize each side's size. One caveat is that we has issues with the security of the freezer handle; it fell off during testing, but it was able to be replaced.

This model demonstrated impeccable cooling performance in our tests without any noticeable cold spots . Previous tests have consistently highlighted GE fridges for their superior temperature maintenance and uniformity .

Samsung was another popular brand among our survey respondents. Most have owned theirs for three and five years, and many said they like the smart features and auto-fill water pitcher of the new models.

This counter-depth model is part of Samsung’s Mega Capacity line that offers 10 percent more storage space without taking up any more space in your kitchen . The three-door fridge comes with Wi-Fi, gallon-size bins in the doors and dual ice makers that offer cubes and small ice bites that look like little bars.

In our Lab tests, Samsung refrigerators have proven to be great at maintaining steady temperatures , which is a must to keep foods fresh. However, according to our survey of owners, the ice makers are a common malfunction.

RELATED: 7 Best Counter-Depth Refrigerators

Survey respondents who own Café refrigerators are delighted with the exceptionally stylish and customizable designs. Café garners one of the highest percentages of survey respondents expressing intent to return to the brand for future refrigerator purchases.

The French-door model featured here boasts an internal auto-fill water pitcher and Wi-Fi . It’s sleek (the handles are recessed) with easy-to-open doors and drawers and beautiful rose gold finishes — people constantly comment on its design when they walk into our Lab. The inside is backlit with a pretty design that aids in locating and organizing items.

The shelves are wide, and the built-in water pitcher is nestled inside the door. A middle drawer can be used as a freezer, fridge or chiller and has programs for soft freeze, meat, beverages, snacks and wine. The freezer has two baskets and two sliding drawers, including one that holds the built-in ice bin.

One of our testers, who owns the matte white counter-depth model , found the smart features invaluable, especially for receiving notifications on her phone when her son leaves the freezer open. It's worth noting that the water filters can be somewhat pricey and require replacement every one to two months.

RELATED: 7 Best Smart Refrigerators

Nearly every respondent in our survey who owns a Bosch refrigerator expressed intent to purchase another Bosch fridge in the future. This brand garnered some of the most positive comments in our survey, with many praising their refrigerator's design and performance.

This model boasts a spacious and brilliantly illuminated interior, featuring adjustable shelves in the main compartment and on the doors. An "adaptable flex bar" is positioned on the interior back wall to create customizable organization of accessories such as an egg holder, small condiment bin and bottle holder. The built-in water dispenser minimally impacts interior space, and the ice maker has a convenient scoop.

A standout feature of this fridge is its wine chiller drawer that holds up to 17 bottles . With the touch of a button, you can precisely adjust the temperature to optimally store craft beer, wine or sparkling beverages. Bosch's streamlined Three-Door French Door Refrigerator received a Kitchen Gear Award for its understated yet high-quality design, offering ample interior space and extensive adjustable storage. It's been set up in our Lab for more than two years and is still performing great.

RELATED: Best Luxury Kitchen Appliances and Brands

How we test refrigerators

In our Lab tests, we evaluate refrigerators based on their ability to maintain optimal temperatures for essential grocery items like lettuce, deli meat and frozen foods. We assess the uniformity of temperature across shelves in refrigerator and freezer compartments, monitoring variations in temperature over time.

Additionally, we examine the refrigerators' capacity to preserve moisture levels on shelves and in crisper drawers . We also consider factors related to user-friendliness, such as the clarity and utility of the manual, the design and ease of use of controls and the ergonomic comfort of door handles.

We evaluate interior features, too, including the types of shelves in the refrigerator and on the doors, the accessibility of freezer drawers and baskets, the presence of humidity-controlled crispers and the availability of a meat keeper or deli drawer with temperature controls. We also note features like Wi-Fi connectivity.

In addition to Lab tests, we conduct long-term testing by installing refrigerators in consumer homes . Periodic check-ins allow us to gauge the performance and user experience in real-life settings over time.

Most recently, we surveyed nearly 2,000 refrigerator owners to gather insights into their experiences with their appliances and assess their overall satisfaction with their purchases.

What to look for when shopping for refrigerators

✔️ Dimensions: To accurately determine the dimensions for your new refrigerator, take multiple measurements of the space it will occupy, rather than measuring your existing fridge. Measure the maximum width, depth and height at various points to account for any unevenness in the flooring. When measuring, leave at least 1/2 inch to 1 inch of space on all sides for air to circulate . Don’t forget to check that there’s room in front for the door(s) to swing open.

Finally, prior to ordering, ensure the refrigerator will fit through doorways, elevators and hallways . Some refrigerators may also have specific installation requirements, such as ventilation space or water line connections.

When starting your search, the width will help you filter the options. A 36-inch width is standard, but other common widths are 24, 28, 30 and 33 inches. Built-ins go up to 48-inch widths.

✔️ Configuration: French-door models are popular because they put the most-used compartments at eye level and the freezer on the bottom. Within that category are fridges with French door freezers that allow for more organization and can often be converted from a freezer to a fridge. Side-by-sides are split down the middle with the refrigerator on one side and the freezer on the other. Top-freezer models cost less but require bending to get into the fridge. Alternatively, bottom-freezer models cost a little more than their top-freezer counterparts but offer easier access to the more commonly used fridge foods.

✔️ Finishes: Stainless steel is the most popular because it has a sleek yet neutral look, but some brands are starting to offer different finishes, such as black steel, colors and customizable panels and/or handles. Built-ins typically offer exterior paneling that matches your kitchen cabinets. Many modern finishes are fingerprint-resistant.

✔️ Energy efficiency: New refrigerators are much more efficient than models from 20 years ago, but there’s still a lot of variation between models. The EnergyGuide label on the fridge tells you what you can expect regarding energy usage, including the estimated yearly electricity consumption and operating cost (based on the national average electricity cost) and the range of operating costs for similar models. If the model has the Energy Star logo , it is in or around the top 25 percent of the market in terms of efficiency.

What size refrigerator do I need?

Most refrigerator manufacturers recommend between 19 and 22 cubic feet for a family of four — that's a 30-inch-wide refrigerator . However, if you frequently make large weekly shopping trips or prefer to buy in bulk, you may require more space, up to 30 to 33 cubic feet (36-inch-wide refrigerator).

What style of refrigerator should I choose?

Here are some things to consider when choosing which configuration works best for you.

French-door models are favored for their upscale appearance. The doors require less space to open. However, they tend to use more energy and cost more to run.
Side-by-side models are ideal for smaller kitchens due to their narrow door design. However, that narrow design means you can’t fit wide containers, like pizza boxes or cookie sheets.
Top-freezer models are the most reliable and affordable refrigerators, but the doors need space to swing open. These types tend to lack features such as water dispensers and ice makers. Plus, you must regularly bend down to access food on the bottom or in the back of the fridge.
Bottom-freezer models are the opposite of top-freezer models. They make it easier to access fridge foods but require bending over to reach freezer items. These tend to cost more than top-freezer models and offer less freezer storage space, but they often include a nesting freezer drawer that helps keep things organized.
Built-in and counter-depth models are available in all configurations and are designed to sit flush with your cabinetry and counters. These are the most expensive options and offer a luxury, seamless look. However, they often offer less internal storage space and can be more challenging to install.

What refrigerator features are important?

Refrigerators are increasingly equipped with features designed to simplify and organize your life. Our favorite features right now are adjustable shelves, auto-fill water pitchers and water filters that are hidden behind the main door. Compartments that can switch from fridge to freezer are also handy.

Here are the features we’re seeing in today’s models:

✔️ Ice and water dispenser: Through-the-door dispensers let you access ice and water without opening the refrigerator door. However, models with this feature tend to require more maintenance and sacrifice storage space. Some refrigerators have integrated water dispensers hidden behind the door for a seamless look but require you to open the door to use it. Auto-fill water pitchers automatically refill a pitcher or container with fresh, filtered water via a built-in sensor.

✔️ Door-in-door storage access: A partial door allows you to retrieve frequently used beverages and condiments without fully opening the door, which saves energy.

✔️ Freshness features: Humidity- and temperature-controlled drawers help keep different food types — such as meat, fish and cold cuts — at their ideal storage temperatures . At the same time, air purifiers help eliminate bacteria and mold spores to prolong food freshness.

✔️ Adjustable shelves and drawers: Split shelves and pullout bins enhance the organization and accessibility of stored items. Some allow your fridge to accommodate tall bottles, large storage containers and pizza boxes with ease.

✔️ Cameras and windows: Internal cameras enable remote viewing via smartphone, while transparent windows reduce the need to leave fridge doors open while you find foods, conserving energy.

✔️ Specialty icemakers: Some refrigerators now offer ice options beyond cubed or crushed, including clear ice spheres or nugget ice for cocktails. Can’t choose? Dual ice makers give you options.

✔️ Wi-Fi connectivity: WiFi-enabled models allow remote control of fridge settings, temperature adjustments and door-open alerts via smartphone apps. Some include smart devices that allow you to connect to the Internet right from the door to sync with family members, stream music and more.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab Director Nicole Papantoniou oversees all of Good Housekeeping's content and testing related to kitchen appliances, tools, gadgets and gear. She's been testing fridges since she joined GH in 2019 and regularly attends trade shows and meets with brands to learn about the latest and greatest models and features.

Perry Santanachote is a longtime product tester, reviewer, writer and editor, covering everything in the kitchen from cookware to appliances. She is enamored with her Sub-Zero built-in refrigerator.

Nicole (she/her) is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she has overseen content and testing related to kitchen and cooking appliances, tools and gear since 2019. She’s an experienced product tester and recipe creator, trained in classic culinary arts and culinary nutrition. She has worked in test kitchens for small kitchen appliance brands and national magazines, including Family Circle and Ladies’ Home Journal .

Perry Santanachote (she/her) has more than 15 years of experience in service journalism, specializing in food and consumer goods. She tests and reports on kitchen appliances and cooking tools. She also evaluates food products and cleaning supplies. She’s an experienced writer, product tester and recipe developer who has worked in labs, test kitchens and media organizations, including Thrillist and Consumer Reports.

@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-o9j0dn:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} Around the Kitchen

a loaf of partially sliced bread on a kitchen towel

The Best Mini Fridges

How to Clean a Dishwasher

The Best Dishwasher Cleaners

The Best Tumblers

The Best Nespresso Machines

stanley cup accessories on amazon including stanley straw covers and stanley pouches

Soup up Your Stanley With These Accessories

The Best Gas Ranges

The Best Kitchen Towels

10 best wine fridges and coolers of 2021, according to pros

The Best Wine Fridges

The Best Cold Brew Coffee Makers

The Best Sous Vide Machines

'Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King': Release Date, Trailer, and Everything We Know so Far

Your changes have been saved

Email Is sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

'The Bear' Is Finally Going to Air on FX

The ‘scandoval’ lawsuit filed by rachel leviss takes "emotional" twist, where can you watch the unconventional slasher movie 'in a violent nature', quick links, what is black clover: sword of the wizard king about, is black clover: sword of the wizard king canon, does black clover: sword of the wizard king have a release date, will black clover: sword of the wizard king be in theaters, is there a trailer for black clover: sword of the wizard king, more movies like black clover: sword of the wizard king.

The hit anime series, Black Clover , has been on hiatus since the season four finale in March 2021. While season five will still be a ways off, fans can return to the Clover Kingdom soon with the upcoming film Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King . Fans have been eager to see what’s next after the shocking cliffhanger.

With the release of an anime film, plenty of lingering questions exist. Will the movie be canon? Where can I watch it? Does it pick up right after season four? Don’t stress; here is everything you need to know about Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King .

Editor's Note: This Article was updated on June 11 with new footage. Related: 10 Best Manga That Need Anime Adaptations, According to Reddit

Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King is the first film in the Black Clover franchise and will tell an all-new story. Asta will meet the former Wizard King and plenty of new and returning characters. We don’t have many story details, but we know the film will be full of great battles and beautiful animation. Hopefully, we will get more information closer to the film’s release.

Black Clover creator Yūki Tabata is returning as a supervisor for the film. He has described it as a “Why didn’t you do this in the original [manga]?” type of story, meaning the film is not adapting stories told in the original manga but would fit within the story of Black Clover .

Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King might not be manga canon, but it may still tie into the show with original anime stories referencing the film’s events. With Tabata’s blessing and aid, fans should just watch the movie and enjoy it regardless of its importance to the manga’s plot.

Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King was initially set to come out on March 16th, 2023, but was delayed due to COVID-19 complications during production. The pandemic has affected the anime industry in numerous ways, with countless shows and movies getting postponed, and Black Clover was no exception.

Thankfully the delays only pushed the film back by a couple of months. Fans can rest easy because they’ll return to the Clover Kingdom this summer. Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King will arrive on June 16th, 2023.

No, Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King will not premiere in theaters. Instead, the film will debut exclusively on Netflix worldwide. That means you can watch the movie from the comfort of your own home.

The Black Clover anime is not currently streaming on Netflix , so it’s strange that the film is debuting there instead of Crunchyroll. If you need to catch up, all four seasons of Black Clover are currently streaming on both Crunchyroll and Funimation.

We got our first look at Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King in October 2022. The film looks intense and ends with Asta proclaiming that “Persistence is my magic!” Check out the teaser trailer below.

The film has been in production for a while now, and it looks like it will be worth the wait. We received a second trailer for the film, and it highlights even more action sequences. The trailer features the wonder song, Here I Stand by TREASURE . Everything about Sword of the Wizard King is shaping up to be a blast, from the voice acting to the score.

We received a character promo highlighting Asta, and his drive to prove himself. This small clip reminds us of why we grew to love Asta as the main character.

In the second character trailer, we are introduced to the evil wizard kings. The designs and their magic look incredible and just highlights how much time and effort the animation team put in creation of this movie.

Related: 'Jujutsu Kaisen' Season 2: Trailer, Release Date, Story, and Everything We Know So Far About the Anime's Return

Black Clover is a shonen battle anime about persistence, friendship, and insane battles between good and evil. It’s a classic formula that has brought joy to many since the dawn of time. If you enjoy Black Clover and are in need of more anime films, here are three of the best.

Jujutsu Kaisen 0 (2022) - The world of Jujutsu Kaisen is one of sorcerers and demons. While the main series follows Yuji Itadori, Jujutsu Kaisen 0 is a film about Yuta Okkotsu. Yuta becomes a Jujutsu sorcerer after gaining access to a mighty cursed spirit. Here he meets Satoru Gojo, who takes him under his wing.

Jujutsu Kaisen 0 is a perfect watch because it can be enjoyed without ever watching the original series. It takes place roughly a year before the start of Jujutsu Kaisen but still backs all the heart you’d expect. Yuta Okkotsu is a terrific character; his story will leave you in tears.

Watch on Crunchyroll

Demon Slayer: Mugen Train (2021) - Demon Slayer: Mugen Train is set after the events of the first season of Demon Slayer and continues the adventures of Tanjiro Kamado, Zenitsu Agatsuma, Inosuke Hashibira, and Nezuko Kamado. The demon killers join the Flame Hashira Kyojuro Rengoku in an effort to stop the Lower Rank demon, Enmu. The five board an infinity train and have the battle of their lives.

Demon Slayer: Mugen Train condenses the second story of the anime into a non-stop thrill ride of a film. It features some of the best action and heartbreaking moments in the entire franchise. While it may be hard for new viewers to follow, Demon Slayer: Mugen Train is a great watch if you’re already past season one.

My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising (2019) - Izuku “Deku” Midoryia is one of the few born without power in a world full of superpowered individuals—his world changes after coming into contact with the world’s strongest hero, All Might. Now, Deku and his classmates are the next generation of superheroes and must do everything they can to protect a small island while all of the pro heroes are away.

My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising is the second film in the My Hero Academia franchise, but it might be the series’ best. Deku’s hopes of being the strongest hero are put to the limit as he faces Nine, a villain with multiple quirks and the ability to steal power from others. The film embodies everything fans love about the television series and tells an action-packed story that new and returning fans can enjoy.

Rent on Prime Video

Black Clover

Cast & crew

It Ends with Us

Adapted from the Colleen Hoover novel, Lily overcomes a traumatic childhood to embark on a new life. A chance meeting with a neurosurgeon sparks a connection but Lily begins to see sides of ... Read all Adapted from the Colleen Hoover novel, Lily overcomes a traumatic childhood to embark on a new life. A chance meeting with a neurosurgeon sparks a connection but Lily begins to see sides of him that remind her of her parents' relationship. Adapted from the Colleen Hoover novel, Lily overcomes a traumatic childhood to embark on a new life. A chance meeting with a neurosurgeon sparks a connection but Lily begins to see sides of him that remind her of her parents' relationship.

Justin Baldoni
Christy Hall
Colleen Hoover
Blake Lively
Jenny Slate

Ryle Kincaid

Atlas Corrigan

Young Atlas Corrigan

Young Lily Bloom

Female Waiter

(uncredited)

Spring Pedestrian
All cast & crew
Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

The Big List of Summer Movies

More like this

Did you know

Trivia The casting of Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni as Lily and Ryle caused backlash from fans because in the book Lily is 23 and Ryle is 30, while Lively is 35 and Baldoni is 39. Author of the book Colleen Hoover explained in an interview that she wanted to age the characters up in the movie in an effort to correct a mistake she made in the book. She said, "Back when I wrote It Ends With Us, the new adult [genre] was very popular. You were writing college-age characters. That's what I was contracted to do. I made Lily very young. I didn't know that neurosurgeons went to school for 50 years. There's not a 20-something neurosurgeon. As I started making this movie, I'm like, 'We need to age them out, because I messed up.' So, that's my fault."
When will It Ends with Us be released? Powered by Alexa
August 9, 2024 (United States)
United States
New York City, New York, USA
Wayfarer Studios
Sony Pictures Television
Saks Picture Company
See more company credits at IMDbPro

Technical specs

More to explore

IMAGES

The Black Book (2023)
Movie Review: The Black Book
'The Black Book' (2023) Review: Netflix Nigerian Film Holds A Mirror To
The Black Book
The Black Book Movie Review
The Black Book (2023)

VIDEO

Black Book
BLACK BOOK стрим 3 #blackbook #blackbookgameplay #blackbookgame #чернаякнигапрохождение #чернаякнига
BLACK BOOK की असली सच्चाई 🔥 Book Review ।। Best Books For Vocabulary ।। Himanshu Yadav
Blackbook leni chahiye?
The Black Book Nollywood movie review
THE BLACK BOOK 2023 Review || 2023 Àction movie #2023 #movie #nollywood

COMMENTS

'The Black Book' Netflix Review: Stream It or Skip It?
The Black Book is not nearly bloody nor brooding enough. ... Published Sep. 22, 2023, 2:30 p.m. ET. Where to Stream: The Black Book. Powered by Reelgood. More On: Nollywood
The Black Book (2023)
The Black Book. Watch The Black Book with a subscription on Netflix. After his son is framed for a kidnapping, a bereaved deacon takes justice into his own hands and fights a corrupt police gang ...
The Black Book Movie Review
Tobacco or marijuana. Parents need to know that The Black Book is a 2023 Nollywood action-thriller in which a preacher with a shady past seeks retribution after his son is killed and framed for murder. Expect action movie violence, including characters shot and killed at close range. A dead body found on the beach leaves the sand….
'The Black Book' (2023) Review: A Tedious Thriller Missing Its Mark
The Black Book (2023) (Credit - Netflix) A dull, overly-long thriller that is too by-the-numbers for its own good. The character dynamics are one-note, and the story isn't strong enough to hold out as long as it did. One leads many lives, and most of the time, people keep parts of themselves a secret. Parents tend to keep aspects of their ...
The Black Book (2023)
The Black Book depicts this revenge fantasy, reminiscent of Liam Neeson's Taken, albeit with corrupt police. The Nigerian action thriller isn't afraid to go hard, with threats of splitting a person in half by a table saw, dramatic shoot-outs, and fight sequences.
The Black Book (2023)
The Black Book: Directed by Editi Effiong. With Richard Mofe-Damijo, Ade Laoye, Sam Dede, Alex Usifo Omiagbo. After his son is framed for a kidnapping, a bereaved deacon takes justice into his own hands and fights a corrupt police gang to absolve him.
The Black Book
The Black Book Reviews ... Oct 5, 2023. Marshall Shaffer Decider There are interesting components in this Nigerian thriller, but without a stronger sense of cohesion between plot and style, it ...
The Black Book review: Formulaic film has its own strengths
Positives. The film does a good job of portraying the social issues that plague Nigerian society. The voices of honest and law-abiding people go unheard when the police, the government, and even the media are corrupt. General Issa's final monologue about a liberal society will hit the audience hard.
The Black Book
Everyday for the corrupt, one day for justice. #TheBlackBook premieres September 22Subscribe: https://bit.ly/2SpsrJ1About Netflix:Netflix is one of the world...
The Black Book (2023)
The Black Book directed by Editi Effiong is an action film about a deacon who taps back into his sinful ways to avenge his son's death, absolve him, and give him a proper burial. Paul Edima, deacon and reformed assassin, is played by Richard Mofe-Damijo affectionately known as RMD.
'The Black Book' (2023) Review: Netflix Nigerian Film Holds A Mirror To
The Black Book can be viewed as a John Wick-inspired movie from Nigeria because of how a seemingly innocent man becomes a ruthless justice-seeker after his son is murdered for no reason. 'The Black Book' (2023) Review: Netflix Nigerian Film Holds A Mirror To The Corrupted Society
Movie Review: The Black Book (2023) On Netflix Is Great Instead Of
The Review. I had really high expectations for The Black Book. The anticipation built by the back story on social media made me expect so much, especially with the kind of funding we were told the producers and the director had to get, the length of the production, and the time in post-production.
The Black Book (2023)
After his son is framed for a kidnapping, a bereaved deacon takes justice into his own hands and fights a corrupt police gang to absolve him.
MOVIE REVIEW: The Black Book: RMD shines as Nigeria's John Wick, but it
Proper character development is rarely seen in Nollywood movies, and the anticipated 2023 film Black Book seems to understand the assignment with its protagonist.
The Black Book (2023) Review: Meets the Expectations of the Action
The brilliance of this African production lies in its emotional depth. The Black Book successfully elicits empathy for its lead character, making you yearn for his evolution as scripted. Admittedly, the storyline follows a somewhat clichéd trajectory, yet it remains effective due to the skilled execution by the filmmakers. Image Credits: Netflix.
The Black Book (2023) Ending Explained
The Black Book is an intricate thriller with many players and no payoff in the end. The book itself carries significance and becomes the one thing that everyone wants. People are kidnapped and killed over the contents of this book, and it becomes overstuffed with characters. The way journalists are handled in this film is brutal, but it also ...
The Black Book (2023 film)
The Black Book is a 2023 Nigerian crime thriller film produced and directed by Editi Effiong, starring Richard Mofe-Damijo, Sam Dede, Shaffy Bello, Femi Branch, Alex Usifo, Ade Laoye and Ireti Doyle. The film was released to Netflix on 22 September 2023, Nigerian online newspaper Premium Times has likened Richard Mofe-Damijo's character in the film to John Wick's character owing to the ...
‎The Black Book (2023) directed by Editi Effiong
Review by Luke Thorne ★★. Editi Effiong's crime thriller. When his son is suspected for a kidnapping, a mourning deacon takes justice into his own hands and battles a crooked cop gang to release him of both his corruptions and his offences. Richard Mofe-Damijo gives an okay performance in his role as Paul Edima, the man who doesn't show ...
'The Black Book' (2023) Review: Netflix Nigerian Film Holds ...
Netflix's latest movie from Nigeria is titled The Black Book, and it stars Richard Mofe-Damijo, Ade Laoye, and Sam Dede, among others. When a simple pastor's son is killed by corrupt cops, the sermon-delivering kind man must seek justice his way after the usual ways of police and the law fail.
Watch The Black Book
After his son is framed for a kidnapping, a bereaved deacon takes justice into his own hands and fights a corrupt police gang to absolve him. Watch trailers & learn more.
The Black Book: A Must-See Nollywood Action Thriller That Will Keep You
In 2023, 'The Black Book' emerged as an electrifying Nigerian crime thriller, masterfully crafted by Editi Effiong. This riveting cinematic masterpiece features a stellar ensemble cast, including Richard Mofe-Damijo, Sam Dede, Shaffy Bello, Femi Branch, Alex Usifo, Ade Laoye, and Ireti Doyle. ... THE BLACK BOOK FILM REVIEW.
The Black Book (2023) Movie Ending Explained: What is the black book?
The Black Book (2023) centers around Paul Edima, a deacon whose return to a world of crime happens after his son's tragic and wrongful death at the hands of the police in Nigeria. The world of crime is enmeshed with cobwebs that have every societal institution trapped in it, from the police to the army and the press. *Spoiler alert*.
THE BLACK BOOK (2023)
Watch Part 2 here 👉👉👉👉 https://youtu.be/2Iz-iKZS1Lg 👈👈👈👈🟡🟡🟡🟡🟡🟡Synopsis: After his son is framed for a kidnapping, a bereaved ...
HP Elite x360 1040 G11 vs Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M3, 2023)
Advantages of the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M3, 2023) Higher screen refresh rate: 120 versus 60 Hz. MacBook with the Apple M3 chip maintains its performance even when running on battery power. Higher number of cutting-edge USB Type-C ports: 3 versus 2. Features a bigger (~25%) battery - 70 against 56 watt-hours.
Best New Books by Black Authors June 2024
June 2024 Books by Black Authors We Can't Wait to Read. A new Walter Mosley mystery, the secrets of African holistic healing and a collection of poems about Black womanhood are on our list of best ...
Recent UW Law Faculty Scholarship: Standing for Elections in State
This is a book review in interview format with me interviewing the book's author, Jeffrey Fitzgerald. The book is a judicial biography of the famous and influential Australian jurist, Sir Gerard Brennan. Largely in chronological sequence, the book also identifies cross-cutting themes such as the evolution of his jurisprudence over time.
7 Best Refrigerator Brands of 2024, Tested & Reviewed by Experts
Refrigerator Reviews. 7 Best Refrigerator Brands and Models, According to Testing ... Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel, white, black: Energy Star certified: Yes: Features: Water dispenser ...
'Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King': Everything We Know ...
Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King was initially set to come out on March 16th, 2023, but was delayed due to COVID-19 complications during production. The pandemic has affected the anime ...
It Ends with Us (2024)
It Ends with Us: Directed by Justin Baldoni. With Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, Jenny Slate, Hasan Minhaj. Adapted from the Colleen Hoover novel, Lily overcomes a traumatic childhood to embark on a new life. A chance meeting with a neurosurgeon sparks a connection but Lily begins to see sides of him that remind her of her parents' relationship.
Apple to protect AI data in 'cloud black box'
Advertisement. Apple's proposed "black box" solution involves creating a secure enclave within the cloud specifically for processing AI data. The Secure Enclave, a hardware and software ...

More From Decider

New Shows & Movies To Watch This Weekend: 'Bridgerton' Season 3 on...

Jax Taylor Admits His "Delivery Is Awful" In 'The Valley': "That's One Of...

What Happened to Regé-Jean Page? Did the Duke Bomb His Movie Star Career...

'9-1-1's Malcolm-Jamal Warner On Amir And Bobby, Working With Peter...

'Unfrosted' Has Everyone Wondering "What's The Deal With Jerry Seinfeld?"

Chrissy Teigen Stuns John Legend On 'The Drew Barrymore Show' With Reveal...

Brooke Shields Flashed Her ‘Mother of the Bride’ Co-Star Benjamin...

Andy Cohen Reveals Sarah Jessica Parker's Reaction When He Suggested Rosie...

Stream It Or Skip It: ‘The Black Book’ on Netflix, A Revenge Thriller from the Streets of Nigeria

Stream It Or Skip It: ‘Postcards’ on Netflix, A Nigerian-Indian Family Comedy From The Creator of ‘Namaste Wahala’

THE BLACK BOOK : STREAM IT OR SKIP IT?

Does 'Yellowstone' Return Tonight? 'Yellowstone's Season 5 Return Date, Kevin Costner Updates, And More

Sunny Hostin Leaves Her Seat On 'The View' To Advise Whoopi Goldberg About What She Can And Can't Say On TV

'Bridgerton' Showrunner Jess Brownell Explains Why We Didn't Get Penelope and Lady Danbury's Friendship in Season 3

Does Bobby Die On '9-1-1'? What We Know About The Future Of Peter Krause's Character

Patricia Richardson Says 'Home Improvement' Ended Because ABC Wouldn't Give Her Equal Pay to Tim Allen

Why Isn't 'The View' Airing A New Episode Today?

Or browse by category:

Common Sense Selections for Movies

50 Modern Movies All Kids Should Watch Before They're 12

Best Kids' Shows on Disney+

Best Kids' TV Shows on Netflix

8 Tips for Getting Kids Hooked on Books

50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12

Common Sense Selections for Games

Nintendo Switch Games for Family Fun

Common Sense Selections for Podcasts

Parents' Guide to Podcasts

Social Networking for Teens

Gun-Free Action Game Apps

Reviews for AI Apps and Tools

Parents' Ultimate Guide to YouTube Kids

YouTube Kids Channels for Gamers

Real-Life Heroes on YouTube for Tweens and Teens

Celebrating Black History Month

Movies and TV Shows with Arab Leads

Celebrate Hip-Hop's 50th Anniversary

A Lot or a Little?

Positive Messages

Positive Role Models

Diverse Representations

Violence & Scariness

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Parents Need to Know

Where to Watch

Community Reviews

What's the Story?

Movie Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Suggest an Update

The Man of God

The Legend of the Underground

Best Action Movies for Kids

The Black Book (2023)

Isabella Endrinal

What it's about

What stands out

Add a comment

La Femme Nikita (1990)

The Red Violin (1998)

The Sacrifice (1986)

The Guilty (2018)

Forgotten Love (2023)

Yuni (2021)

System Crasher (2019)

La Belle Noiseuse (1991)

Leave the World Behind (2023)

Wind River (2017)

Curated by humans, not algorithms.

Log in or sign up for Rotten Tomatoes

Email not verified

Sign up for the Rotten Tomatoes newsletter to get weekly updates on:

Movies / TV

The Black Book Reviews

The Black Book review: Formulaic film has its own strengths

Performances

The Black Book

More from The Envoy Web

Latest articles