Genevieve Nnaji's 'LionHeart' receives mixed reviews on social media

Nigerian actress Genevieve Nnaji’s debut self directed movie LionHeart was finally shown on Netflix on Friday.

The movie, which is the first Netflix original film to come out of Nigeria's film industry, was received with mixed reviews.

Many who watched LionHeart praised the cultural and family setting of the movie, which was significantly atypical from other Nollywood movies.

One Twitter user wrote: “Just saw #Lionheart on @netflix. Brilliantly told story of resilience, family and cultural unity explored. I congratulate @GenevieveNnaji1 for pushing the envelope and creating a new vista for African story telling.”

Just saw #Lionheart on @netflix. Brilliantly told story of resilience, family and cultural unity explored. I congratulate @GenevieveNnaji1 for pushing the envelope and creating a new vista for African story telling.

— nwude ebuka (@nwudeebuka) January 4, 2019

Another tweeted: “A movie that celebrates a firstborn girl child rather than the male. A movie that eulogises culture rather than paint it as evil. A movie that depicts family as working together rather than killing each other. #LionHeart. Genevieve is a gem & national jewel. We must treasure her."

A movie that celebrates a firstborn girl child rather than the male.
A movie that eulogises culture rather than paint it as evil.
A movie that depicts family as working together rather than killing each other.#LionHeart
Genevieve is a gem & national jewel.
We must treasure her.

— OurFavOnlineDoctor ???????? (@DrOlufunmilayo) January 5, 2019

The quality of the cast — which consists of Nollywood and showbiz titans Genevieve Nnaji, Pete Edochie, Phyno, Peter Okoye, Nkem Owu, Ngozi Ezeonu, Onyeka Onwenu—was also applauded by many on social media.

However, not all were in love with the movie, as they felt it did not live up to the high expectations.

The gripe of some who watched the highly publicized movie was that the storyline was bland and forgettable.

“Truth be told; Genevieve's #Lionheart on Netflix has no content. The hype is just hype. It's a first from her though, hopefully her next movie will be better,” one Ifeanyi wrote on his timeline.

Truth be told.
Genevieve's #Lionheart on Netflix has no content. The hype is just hype.
It's a first from her though, hopefully her next movie will be better.

— Ifeanyi 'Arc' Bishop (@effa_anyi) January 4, 2019

Another Twitter user with the handle, @_adaheze poured out her frustration, writing that the movie was nothing but utterly basic. “…It’s really not worth the hype it’s just a basic movie! I expected more, honestly... very monotonous!”

Truth be told.
Genevieve's #Lionheart on Netflix has no content. The hype is just hype.
It's a first from her though, hopefully her next movie will be better.

— Ifeanyi 'Arc' Bishop (@effa_anyi) January 4, 2019

A Buhari parody account, @Buharimemes also slammed Lionheart, stating that it was average. “I have watched #Lionheart twice and I still don’t get the hype. It lacks depth. It’s just another average Nigerian movie with good(ish) cinematic editing.

I have watched #Lionheart twice and I still don’t get the hype. It lacks depth. It’s just another average Nigerian movie with good(ish) cinematic editing.

— Buharimemes (@buharimemes) January 5, 2019