Watch The Royal Hibiscus Hotel Online

The Royal Hibiscus Hotel

Where to Watch The Royal Hibiscus Hotel

2018

Deftly woven with rich humour, timeless romance and resonant familial themes, The Royal Hibiscus Hotel is a delightful Nollywood production from director Ishaya Bako. This movie was officially released in 2017 and emerged as a heartwarming addition to the thriving Nigerian cinema landscape. The film features a stellar cast, with Zainab Balogun, Kenneth Okolie, and Jide Kosoko delivering stellar acts that enhance the movie's appeal.

The film plunges into the life of the protagonist, Opeoluwa Olumide (portrayed by the powerful Zainab Balogun), an aspiring chef living abroad who makes the decision to return to her roots – Nigeria. Ope, as she's fondly known, set off on this journey back home with high hopes of finding success following her many struggles in London. She carries a dream within her heart - to nurture and grow her own restaurant, making it a haven of delicious dishes and an enchanting dining experience for locals and tourists alike.

A heart-tugging twist to Ope's story lies in her consigning to oblivion the fact that her parents, played by Nollywood veterans Jide Kosoko and Rachel Oniga, are on the verge of selling off their family hotel to safeguard themselves from the weakening grip of financial instability. As Ope returns to her home in Lagos, she is thrown in the middle of this chaotic, confusing situation, completely unprepared for the challenges that lay ahead. The once robust Royal Hibiscus Hotel, apart from being a significant family heritage, is her only opening to make her culinary dreams come alive.

Inserting a sprinkle of romance into the narrative is Deji (Kenneth Okolie), a suave and successful businessman, who is a potential buyer of the hotel. His interest, however, seems to go beyond a mere business transaction and treads into the realms of the heart. Unaware of Deji's link to the fate of the hotel, Ope gauges him only as an encouraging patron of her culinary magic, setting the premise for a remarkable romantic comedy.

Unlike numerous cookie-cutter romance tales, the beauty of The Royal Hibiscus Hotel lies in its intelligently crafted plot and engrossing storytelling. Bako's direction gives viewers a visually pleasing feast, showcasing the vibrancy and the vividness of Nigerian culture and its people, all of it tastefully simmered into Ope's journey.

The hilarious encounters among characters and their palpable chemistry build an intricate narrative framework. The film takes on gender and societal norms, leadership anguish, ambition, and love, all wrapped in a well-cooked package of wit and sarcasm. Ope's resistance, negotiation, and eventual acceptance of her circumstances offer an engaging experience that feels all too real.

Balogun's performance, in particular, is profoundly authentic, effectively capturing the womanhood in modern Nigeria, all the while exuding an infectious charm. Okolie equally delivers a strong performance, lending credibility and charisma to his character. Veterans like Kosoko and Oniga are equally impressive, their performances establishing them as the emotional pillars of the story. Every character, major or minor, contributes to propelling the story forward, each with their unique character arc, making the plot a collective journey to witness.

The Royal Hibiscus Hotel brilliantly uses the universal language of food to connect hearts, foster relationships and express emotions. The film remains dedicated to the culinary world, allowing scenes in the kitchen to become narrative instruments that not only whet the audience's appetite but also delve into the highs and lows of Ope's life.

Audiences will enjoy the colourful backdrop of Nigeria's buzzing urban landscape, depicting the splashes of daily life in Lagos with its bustling streets, live music, and mouth-watering dishes. Bako's skilled craftsmanship shines through these cinematic sequences, portraying the rich fabric of Nigerian society.

On the whole, The Royal Hibiscus Hotel masterfully balances hearty laughter with poignant moments, offering profound commentary on love, family ties, and personal aspirations. The film is a radiant celebration of Nigerian culture, food, and spirit. It is a movie that serves up an enchanting mix of romance and comedy, steeped in vibrant local flavour, redefining the parameters of Nollywood's cinematic milieu - an exceptional experience indeed.

The Royal Hibiscus Hotel is a Romance, Comedy movie released in 2018. It has a runtime of 90 Critics and viewers have rated it moderate reviews, with an IMDb score of 5.3..

How to Watch The Royal Hibiscus Hotel

Where can I stream The Royal Hibiscus Hotel movie online? The Royal Hibiscus Hotel is available to watch and stream at Netflix.

5.3/10
Director
Ishaya Bako
Stars
Zainab Balogun, Kenneth Okolie, Deyemi Okanlawon, Joke Silva
Also directed by Ishaya Bako
Also starring Zainab Balogun
Also starring Kenneth Okolie