Critical Review of Genevieve Nnaji’s *The Lion’s Heart*: A Multi-Layered Exploration of Gender and Society
Critical Review of Genevieve Nnaji’s The Lion’s Heart Introduction Genevieve Nnaji’s film The Lion’s Heart intricately explores personal and societal challenges, making it a compelling subject for critical analysis. This review employs four lenses: Formal Media Analysis, Oppositional Gaze, Male Gaze, and Hall’s Encoding/Decoding. Each lens reveals different layers of meaning and cultural commentary, highlighting the film's significance in contemporary discourse. Section A – Formal Media Analysis Cinematography The cinematography within The Lion's Heart is a major determinant of the emotional tone and visual narrative. There is natural light throughout the film, which lends credibility, especially in the sensitive moments when characters bare their vulnerabilities. Wide shots are capable of capturing the fertility of the Nigerian terrain, juxtaposed with close-ups that uncover the characters' inner turmoil. The movement of the camera creates fluidity in directing the viewe...
