A historical epic inspired by the true events that happened in The Kingdom of Dahomey, one of the most powerful states of Africa in the 18th and 19th centuries.
An army of women called the Agojie helped protect Dahomey’s kingdom in 1823, West Africa. Nanisca (Viola Davis) is their general and a trusted advisor for the new king, Ghezo (John Boyega). Their kingdom is at war with the Oyo Empire, but Nansica finds her hands full training the new recruits, one named Nawi (Thuso Mbedu), who she finds arrogant and rebellious.
Firstly, I must applaud the ensemble cast here. Not only was Viola Davis a total badass with her physicality, but she also exudes vulnerability when the story calls for it. She is confident on the battlefield and in front of her troops but is haunted while alone. Another standout is Sheila Atim as Amenza, who is Nanisca’s right-hand woman. Amenza is more than a sidekick; she is a real friend to Nanisca. Another standout is Lashana Lynch as Izogie, who is exuberant, funny, and fearless. She becomes someone that Nawi quickly looks up to.
Nawi herself is also a scene stealer, and I would say the film revolves mainly around her. Mbedu can hold her own against Davis and Lynch. However, a romantic subplot involving her character felt unnecessary and lacked chemistry. That does not stop you from rooting for her, though. However, I wish we saw more of the comradery between Nawi and her friends rather than her romantic escapades.
Director Gina Prince-Bythewood already proved she knows how to handle action with “The Old Guard.” I thought “The Woman King” was well-shot and well-choreographed. They filmed on location for this movie rather than using green-screened sound stages so many blockbusters utilize, and you can definitely see the difference. Prince-Bythewood did not forget about the character moments, which, to me, is what made the film.
I should also disclose that this PG-13 film is close to an R rating. There are plenty of close-ups of injuries that will make you cringe. Some of the gnarly kills simply are not as bloody as they would be in real life. If violence is something that makes you squirm, I would avoid this film, as there is plenty of it to go around.
The movie also contains a bit of revisionist history. It is stated in the film many times that the Dahomey Kingdom participated in the slave trade. Nanisca is against this and repeatedly tries to convince the king to stop participating in the trade. King Ghezo eventually relents and makes a grand declaration about how wrong it is. Needless to say, this is not what happened in real life.
I hope “The Woman King” becomes a blockbuster success, but I still encourage you to see it even if it doesn’t. Ultimately, “The Woman King” is a crowd pleaser not afraid to center its story on African American women. The chemistry not only between Davis and Atim but between all of the women mentioned above is a highlight. And Viola Davis continues to prove how much of a powerhouse performer she is.
Now available on Digital HD and on 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™, & DVD December 13th
