Flower Girl

Flower Girl is a delightful Nollywood romantic comedy released in 2013. Directed by Michelle Bello, this movie masterfully captures the emotions and intricacies of love, dreams, and expectations. Known for her knack for warm-hearted storytelling and the ability to portray authentic human emotions, Bello has indeed shone through this film.

The film stars Nigerian actress Damilola Adegbite, whose splendid performance as Kemi, the protagonist, adds significantly to the beauty of the film. Kemi is a young, hardworking florist who makes a modest living by selling flowers and small decorative items in a shop owned by her mother. She harbors dreams of marrying her long-time boyfriend, Umar, who hosts a popular TV show. Kemi embodies the spirit of a dreamer - naive, hopeful, and full of love.

However, reality strikes when Umar dumps Kemi unexpectedly, leaving her with a broken heart and shattered dreams. Heartbroken, Kemi carries on with her life, but the desire to win back the love of her life never leaves her heart. Adegbite shines in this role, lending authenticity to her character’s feelings and emotions.

While Kemi is busy picking up the pieces of her broken heart, she finds an unexpected ally in the charming and affable Tunde Kulani, portrayed by Chris Attoh. Tunde is a Nollywood superstar who, much like Kemi, finds himself nursing a broken heart. One eventful day, fate brings Kemi and Tunde together. Through a string of hilarious incidents and misunderstandings, they form a poignant bond and join hands to win back their respective loves. The comedy seamlessly embedded in their emotional journey is one of the highlights of the film. Evolution of their friendship and its impact on their personal growth forms the crust of the narrative.

On the other hand, Angela Adiele plays the role of Kemi's best friend, Uduak. She is Kemi's constant pillar of support, helping her navigate the complicated corridors of love. Angela’s character adds a touch of comic relief and serves as a perfect foil to Kemi’s character, bringing a sense of balance and realism to the movie's plot.

The portrayal of Ahide Adum, playing the role of Stella, Umar's new girlfriend, offers an interesting contrast to Kemi's character. Adum successfully instills her character with manipulative charm and worldly cunning, essential elements of a classic antagonist.

Flower Girl isn’t just a rom-com. It’s a movie that depicts a rollercoaster of emotions and countless unexpected twists and turns that one experiences in love. Director Michelle Bello successfully captures the essence of love, friendship, and determination through a gripping narrative that keeps the audience hooked.

Cinematography by James M. Costello effectively showcases the vibrant culture and breathtaking beauty of Lagos, which serves as the backdrop of the film. It's worth mentioning that the warm and appealing color palette of the film often parallels the emotional state of the characters.

The music by Truth complements the plot perfectly, regularly propelling the momentum of the film and making each scene more impactful. The compositions beautifully capture the spirit of Lagos and its people, emphasising emotions as they ebb and flow through the narrative.

In a nutshell, Flower Girl is an engaging romantic comedy that excellently showcases the varying shades of love and dreams while providing comic relief throughout. It will make you laugh, cry, relate and most importantly, it will make you believe in the power of love and friendship. It's a beautiful watch for those who enjoy romantic comedies or anyone who appreciates the rich culture and electrifying vibe of Lagos. This movie is a testament to Nollywood's significant contribution to African cinema and the global film industry.