Half of a Yellow Sun

2014 • 111 minutes
4.4
67 reviews
51%
Tomatometer
R
Rating
Eligible
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About this movie

Olanna (Thandie Newton) and Kainene (Anika Noni Rose) are glamorous twins from a wealthy Nigerian family. Upon returning to a privileged city life in newly independent 1960s Nigeria after their expensive English education, the two women make very different choices. Olanna shocks her family by going to live with her lover, the 'revolutionary professor' Odenigbo (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and his devoted houseboy Ugwu (John Boyega) in the dusty university town of Nsukka; Kainene turns out to be a fiercely successful businesswoman when she takes over the family interests, and surprises even herself when she falls in love with Richard (Joseph Mawle), an English writer. Preoccupied by their romantic entanglements, and a betrayal between the sisters, the events of their life seem to Sandy - loom larger than politics. However, they become caught up in the events of the Nigerian civil war, in which the lgbo people fought an impassioned struggle to establish Biafra as an independent republic, ending in chilling violence which shocked the entire world. A sweeping romantic drama, Half of a Yellow Sun takes the sisters and their lovers on a journey through the war which is powerful, intensely emotional and, as the response of readers around the world has shown, it is a story which can touch everyone's heart.
Rating
R

Ratings and reviews

4.4
67 reviews
A Google user
October 28, 2017
Well done movie, stays true to the book (by Chimamanda Adichie). More personal take on the Biafran/Nigerian War. Love the work put in by Chiwetel Okofor, Thandie Newton& Anika Noni Rose.
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Moviefone
July 31, 2014
Although it didn't get as much attention or critical love as its source material, it's definitely worth a look.
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Mecca Modai
August 25, 2014
excellent watch.
2 people found this review helpful
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