#NollywoodReviews #PriceOfWealth #NigerianCinema
Overall Rating: 2.5 / 5 Stars
The Soul of the Matter: An Introduction
Nollywood has long been obsessed with the intersection of sweat and spirits. From the early days of Living in Bondage, the industry has grappled with a singular question: How far will a Nigerian go to "hammer"? The latest offering from Nollywood RealnollyTV, "Price of Wealth", attempts to revisit this age-old trope within a modern, industrial context.
Clocking in at over three hours, this film is an epic—not necessarily in the cinematic sense, but in its narrative ambition. It attempts to blend the gritty reality of Nigerian entrepreneurship with the dark, mystical undercurrents of ritualism that still haunt the national psyche. As a critic who has watched the industry evolve from VHS tapes to Netflix-standard 4K, "Price of Wealth" feels like a bridge between the "Old Nollywood" moral play and "New Nollywood" production values.
Cinematography: Capturing the Grind and the Gloom
Visually, the film is a bit of a mixed bag, reflecting the "transition" phase many mid-budget Nigerian productions currently occupy.
The Lighting: We see a commendable effort in the interior scenes, particularly in Justina’s factory. There’s a brightness that reflects her initial optimism and the "hustle" culture of Lagos/South-Eastern hubs. However, the film struggles with night shoots. Some scenes in the "Okita Kingdom" feel a bit under-lit, relying heavily on post-production color grading to hide shadows rather than intentional lighting design.
Framing: The director utilizes a lot of tight close-ups during the dialogue-heavy scenes between Justina and William. This effectively captures the growing desperation in Justina’s eyes as she faces a 24-million-naira deficit. However, the film lacks wide "establishing shots" that would have given the factory more scale. We see machines, but we don't feel the magnitude of the operation she’s trying to save.
Visual Mood: The transition from the vibrant colors of the business world to the muted, eerie tones of the brotherhood meetings is stark. It’s a classic Nollywood visual shorthand, but it works to signal the shift from "physical struggle" to "spiritual doom."
Sound Design & Music: The Pulse of the Drama
In Nollywood, sound is often the "Achilles' heel." In Price of Wealth, the dialogue audibility is generally clear, which is a relief. You don't need subtitles to catch the sharp Pidgin exchanges or the formal English used in business negotiations.
The Score: The music is predictably melodramatic. When Justina is crying about her 40 metric tons of undelivered bags, the strings swell to a crescendo. It’s effective, if a bit "on the nose."
Cultural Cues: The use of traditional atmospheric sounds during the brotherhood scenes—the low thrum of drums and ambient chanting—creates the necessary tension. However, the sound mixing sometimes lets the background noise (likely from the generator on set) bleed into the more intimate domestic scenes.
Production Design: From Factory Floors to Occult Altars
The production design team deserves a nod for the factory setting. It feels lived-in. The stacks of bags and the rhythmic sound of machinery (when audible) lend a layer of authenticity to Justina’s character as a "female boss" trying to break the glass ceiling in a male-dominated industry.
Costuming: The wardrobe choices perfectly communicate social class. Justina’s outfits are "Power Woman" chic—bright blazers and sharp skirts—which contrast sharply with her husband William’s more modest, "struggling man" attire.
The Brotherhood: The Okita Kingdom sets are standard Nollywood occult fare—red drapes, skulls, and candles. While iconic, it would have been refreshing to see a more "corporate" or "hidden-in-plain-sight" version of a secret society, which is a growing reality in modern Nigerian urban legends.
The Narrative Engine: Pacing and Plot Logic
The story kicks off with a strong hook: a woman’s business is failing not because of laziness, but because of a lack of capital. This is a reality for millions of Nigerians. However, the pivot to the spiritual is where the pacing begins to wobble.
The 24 Million Naira Burden: The film spends a significant amount of time on the "physical" struggle. We see William selling his car for 1 million naira—a drop in the bucket compared to what is needed. This highlights the "Nigerian reality" where family support often falls short of institutional needs.
Plot Gaps: Why is the "friend" so quick to suggest a ritual sacrifice? The transition from "I want to help you" to "kill your wife" happens with a jarring speed that ignores the psychological toll such a suggestion would take on a normal human being.
The Climax: The ending feels rushed. After three hours of build-up, the "incurable disease" and the sudden death of the police officer boyfriend feel like a "Deus Ex Machina" intended to wrap up the moral lesson quickly.
Characterization & Performance: Who Stole the Show?
The acting is the strongest pillar of Price of Wealth.
The Lead (Justina): She delivers a nuanced performance. You can see her transformation from a confident entrepreneur to a desperate woman, and finally, to a victim of her own ambition. Her delivery of English is polished, reflecting her status, but her emotional breakdowns feel raw and "village-roots" authentic.
The Husband (William): He is the moral compass of the film. His refusal to buckle under the pressure of the brotherhood provides the necessary tension. His chemistry with Justina is believable; you feel the love that is being eroded by financial stress.
The Supporting Cast: The "Great One" of the Okita Kingdom brings the necessary "scare factor," though the character borders on caricature at times. The "bad friend" character is played with a slithery, convincing malice that will make viewers hiss at their screens.
Cultural Relevance: Ambition vs. Conscience
This film taps directly into the "Get Rich Quick" or "Ritual Wealth" discourse currently trending in Nigerian society. It serves as a social commentary on the pressure placed on individuals to succeed at all costs.
The Gender Flip: Interestingly, it is the woman's ambition that drives the plot here. Usually, in these tropes, the man seeks wealth to impress a woman. Here, Justina is the one with the vision, and William is the one trying to keep her grounded.
The Diaspora Lens: For those in the diaspora, the film offers a window into the "Nigerian Hustle"—the lack of credit facilities, the reliance on "who you know," and the ever-present shadow of traditional beliefs in modern life.
The Scene-by-Scene Breakdown: A Pivot Point
One of the most poignant scenes occurs at the 00:26:29 mark, where William tries to sell his car. The haggling with the car dealer (Mike) for a mere 1 million naira when he bought it for 6 million is a heartbreakingly accurate depiction of "desperate selling." It grounds the film in reality before the mysticism takes over.
In contrast, the scene where the Great One invokes the spirits (00:01:17) serves as a reminder that this is a "Spiritual Thriller." The juxtaposition of these two worlds—the car lot and the shrine—is the essence of the film.
The Verdict: Is It Worth Your Data?
"Price of Wealth" is a marathon, not a sprint. At over three hours, it demands patience. It is a film that will resonate deeply with fans of classic Nollywood "moral tales," but it might frustrate those looking for a fast-paced Hollywood-style thriller.
The Good: Strong performances, relatable financial stakes, and a clear moral message. The Bad: Repetitive dialogue in the middle act, some "TV-style" cinematography, and a predictable "suffering for sin" ending.
Who should watch this film?
Fans of intense family dramas.
Anyone who enjoys the "spiritual warfare" sub-genre of Nollywood.
Entrepreneurs who need a (very dramatic) reminder to keep their conscience clear.
Conclusion: A Final Call to Watch
While it doesn't reinvent the wheel, "Price of Wealth" is a sturdy addition to the 2025/2026 Nollywood catalogue. It holds a mirror to society and asks: What is your soul worth? If you have a Saturday afternoon to spare and a bowl of popcorn ready, this movie will give you plenty to discuss with your family and friends. It is a cautionary tale that proves that sometimes, the "shortcut" to wealth is actually the longest road to destruction.
Go watch it for the performances, stay for the lessons, and leave with your conscience intact.
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