Not many actors have made movies audiences adore as much as Chiwetel Ejiofor. Since the 1990’s, Ejiofor has become an icon. Whether it’s slaves facing dangers, strange sorcerers or police officers, Ejiofor has portrayed several strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies he has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films made by an actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. 12 Years a Slave
Slavery is a sensitive subject that shaped my friend’s identity. At an early age, I formed relationships with a friend that possessed great knowledge about slavery causing damage. I remember he would treasure slavery being an important subject matter. He always made efforts to educate people in my school about the slave trade. My friend always believed movies were an inferior art which could never capture a tragedy that tore lives apart. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured grave realities of the slave trade in American history as powerfully as “12 Years a Slave”. Released in 2013, Chiwetel Ejiofor’s best movie did an extraordinary job of depicting slavery in American history. In the greatest role of his career, Ejiofor portrayed a hopeless slave struggling to survive on cruel plantations causing despair. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Ejiofor has spent most of his career playing courageous heroes in action movies. With “12 Years a Slave”, however, the actor took a huge step out of his comfort zone by playing a real-life slave in American history. Working alongside Michael Fassbender who is also amazing, Ejiofor honoured slaves that survived atrocities centuries ago. For instance, the scene in which Solomon wakes up in a prison cell becoming aware that he has been sold into slavery causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “12 Years a Slave” Chiwetel Ejiofor’s best movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about slavery that are targeted towards an intellectual audience, it tackles commemorated themes that everyone would relate to. A spectacular portrait of slavery in American history that caused lives of African musicians to deteriorate, it’s a bold reminder of an actor making celebrated movies audiences appreciate.
2. The Martian
Movies about survival have always resonated with me. At an early age, my family faced a bombing in Saudi Arabia that caused damage. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of a bombing that caused trauma in Saudi Arabia. Through my parent’s drive to survive, I made it out of the bomb blast without a scratch alive. As someone that survived a disaster with dedication, I adored “The Martian”. Released in 2015, Chiwetel Ejiofor’s movie honoured a beloved book about space survival. In the most anxious role of his career, Ejiofor portrayed a scientist seeking to rescue an astronaut stranded on Mars facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his aptitude for stealing the show in a supporting role. Working alongside Matt Damon who is also amazing, Ejiofor created a space survival movie that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Vincent Kapoor and his crew become aware that Mark Watney is still alive causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Martian” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about survival which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of astronauts seeking to survive in space, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a commemorated actor that has manufactured unforgettable movies audiences embrace.
3. Love Actually
Childhood crushes are lovers that rarely last forever. At an early age, I fell in love with a girl in school with dreams of marriage. However, immigration ended bonds forever. When my family immigrated to Canada, I lost touch with a girl that I had once appreciated. As someone treasuring a childhood crush I loved dearly, I adored “Love Actually”. Released in 2003, Chiwetel Ejiofor’s movie depicted romantic relationships between British couples. In the most romantic role of his career, Ejiofor portrayed a British man seeking to prepare for a big wedding causing despair. With “Love Actually”, the actor showcased rare aptitude for comedy he hadn’t shown in his career before. Working alongside Keira Knightley who is also amazing, Ejiofor created a romance that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Peter becomes aware that a boy band is playing at his wedding is one of the funniest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Love Actually” a great romantic comedy is its message. The film delivers a bold message about relationships which would resonate with everyone. A captivating depiction of couples celebrating the Christmas season, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor manufacturing movies that deserve appreciation.
4. Inside Man
Bank robberies are frightening situations causing disaster that always fascinated my brother. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a brother that was fascinated by bank robberies causing damage. He would often marvel at the way bank robbers got away with crimes without a price to pay. As someone treasuring memories of a brother that loved bank robbers with a plan, I admired “Inside Man”. Released in 2006, Chiwetel Ejiofor’s movie offered a captivating depiction of bank robberies. In the most action-packed role of his career, Ejiofor played an anxious cop facing despair. It gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing heroes under pressure. Working alongside Denzel Washington who is also outstanding, Ejiofor created a portrait of bank robberies that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Bill first becomes aware of the bank robbery causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Inside Man” a crime classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most bank robbery movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a bold message about justice which would resonate with everyone. A strong portrait of bank robberies, its a bold reminder of a commemorated actor that thrives at playing heroes with larger-than-life personalities in memorable movies.
5. Doctor Strange
Doctor Strange is an iconic comic-book character that fascinated my teacher. I remember forming long-lasting bonds with an English teacher admiring the magical sorcerer. He would always love to tell stories about a strange sorcerer that cast a magical spell. In 2016, Chiwetel Ejiofor honoured the strange sorcerer in his movie “Doctor Strange”. In the most magical role of his career, Ejiofor embodied a wise mentor guiding a young sorcerer on how to use spells in a world facing despair. With “Doctor Strange”, the actor took a step out of his comfort zone by making his first comic-book movie. Working alongside Benedict Cumberbatch who is also outstanding, Ejiofor honoured an iconic sorcerer that’s spellbinding. For instance, the scene in which Mordo is first introduced seeking to prepare Stephen Strange to become a sorcerer is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Doctor Strange” a comic-book classic is its broad appeal. Unlike most Marvel movies targeted to comic-book fans exclusively, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. As strong as Strange’s desire to become a sorcerer, it’s a spectacular reminder about a fantastic actor that has made great movies which audiences commonly treasure.
6. Amistad
Slavery is a sensitive subject that’s rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has shied away from a dark time in American history. In an industry avoiding a subject matter that is flawed, it’s worth praising “Amistad”. Released in 1997, Chiwetel Ejiofor’s movie offered a powerful portrait of slavery. In the most historical role of his career, Ejiofor portrayed a dedicated abolitionist seeking to rescue slaves facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a historical figure that’s well-known. Working alongside Morgan Freeman who is also outstanding, Ejiofor created a portrait of slavery that’s compelling. A heartbreaking depiction of realities faced by individuals in the slave trade, it’s a heartfelt reminder of an actor that has played bold characters in movies that are extremely well-made.
7. American Gangster
Chiwetel Ejiofor has always excelled at playing anxious characters under pressure. Ejiofor has built an image of being an actor that thrives at playing emotional characters facing damage. Ejiofor’s strength for playing characters under intense pressure is clearly evident in his movie “American Gangster”. Released in 2007, Ridley Scott’s movie showcased the actor at his best. In the most anxious role of his career, Ejiofor portrayed a gangster facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his aptitude for playing conflicted characters. Working alongside Denzel Washington who is also amazing, Ejiofor created a portrait of gangs that’s compelling. As strong as Frank’s desire to become a gangster in America, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor with charisma making memorable movies that attract audiences to the modern-day Cinema.
8. The Old Guard
When it comes to the greatest comic-book series ever written, it’s worth discussing The Old Guard. Since its publication in 2017, Greg Rucka’s series has earned recognition. With its compelling storytelling, strong themes and powerful characters, the series earned a huge following. In 2020, Chiwetel Ejiofor honoured the iconic series about a guard in his movie “The Old Guard”. In the most intellectual role of his career, Ejiofor portrayed an agent embarking on a dangerous mission causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing emotional heroes under intense pressure. Working alongside Charlize Theron who is also outstanding, Ejiofor honoured a comic-book series that’s inspiring. As strong as Andy’s desire to become a spy, it’s a bold reminder of an actor making movies which commonly satisfy.
9. Serenity
Few sci-fi television series are as beloved as “Firefly”. Since its creation in 2002, Joss Whedon’s science-fiction series has become entertainment that audiences value. In 2005, Chiwetel Ejiofor honoured the iconic series about galaxies facing catastrophe in his movie “Serenity”. In the most villainous role of his career, Ejiofor portrayed an operative agent seeking to capture a missing girl causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a despicable sci-fi villain. Working alongside Gina Torres who is also amazing, Ejiofor honoured an iconic series about galaxies that are frightening. A spectacular tribute towards a famous sci-fi series about galaxies which are dangerous, it’s a sensational reminder of an actor that has made commemorated movies which audiences consider to be extremely precious.
10. 2012
Chiwetel Ejiofor hasn’t always made great movies that audiences adore. While most movies the actor has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “2012” falls into the latter category. Released in 2009, Roland Emmerich’s doomsday blockbuster was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, Ejiofor portrayed a political advisor that becomes caught in a doomsday disaster causing despair. Ejiofor brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “2012” is a disastrous movie, it honoured Ejiofor’s legacy. As strong as Jackson’s desire to survive doomsday catastrophe, it’s a riveting reminder about an actor that has created a lasting legacy producing great movies which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to turn my dreams of film criticism into reality.
The Film Buff 