Directed by: Gina Prince-Bythewood
Screenplay by : Dana Stevens
Story by : Maria Bello, Dana Stevens
Produced by: Cathy Schulman, Viola Davis, Julius Tennon, Maria Bello
Starring: Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, John Boyega
The Woman King is a historical epic film that tells the story of the Agojie, an all-female group of warriors in the West African kingdom of Dahomey during the 1820s. The movie is directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood and stars Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, and John Boyega.
Plot:
The film begins with a thrilling opening battle scene where the Agojie, led by General Nanisca (Viola Davis), liberate prisoners from the Oyo army. This scene sets the tone for the rest of the movie, showcasing the strength and bravery of the Agojie warriors.
As the story progresses, we meet Nawi (Thuso Mbedu), a 19-year-old girl who refuses to be a child bride and is given to the Agojie. Nawi is a strong-willed and determined young woman who quickly proves herself to be a valuable asset to the Agojie.
Reviewing the movie:
The movie sheds light on the collaboration of Africans in the slave trade and highlights the existing civilization at the time. This is an important aspect of the film, as it challenges the common narrative that Africans were solely victims of the slave trade.
The film also touches on sub-themes like patriarchy-fueled child marriage. Nawi’s refusal to be a child bride is a powerful statement against this practice, and her determination to forge her own path is inspiring.
The use of authentic African accents and cultural practices adds to the movie’s cultural significance. The film’s attention to detail in this regard is impressive, and it helps to create a sense of authenticity and immersion.
The action scenes in the movie are worth watching, with at least four action scenes that showcase different feels for the moment. The variety works well to give these moments more reason than what many actors do.
The music, with two primary styles, helps get the viewer into the setting. The African Tribal music and orchestral work amplify the cultural settings and sometimes extend to other moments that describe the pain well.
The movie has a talented cast, with Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu, and Lashana Lynch delivering stellar performances. The chemistry between the actors is top-notch, and they work well together to bring the story to life.
The costumes and makeup are subtle but effective in transforming the women into tribal warriors. The attention to detail in the costumes and makeup is impressive, and it helps to create a sense of authenticity and immersion.
The film score holds two primary styles that might help get you into the setting they designed. The music is a great addition to the film, and it helps to enhance the emotional impact of the scenes.
Some critics argue that the movie distorts history and glosses over the Dahomey Kingdom’s involvement in the slave trade. While this is a valid criticism, it is also important to remember that the movie is a work of fiction and not a historical documentary.
The plot can feel convoluted, and some of the narrative beats feel clunky and forced. However, the movie’s pacing is generally well-handled, and the story is engaging and easy to follow.
The overuse of VFX can sometimes flatten the compositions and make the movie feel less grounded in reality. However, the VFX are generally well-used and help to enhance the action scenes and other key moments.
Despite these criticisms, the movie is a thrilling and enrapturing epic that showcases sisterly love and Black love. The movie’s themes of female empowerment and sisterhood are inspiring and timely.
The movie’s attention to detail in its cultural and historical context is impressive, and it helps to create a sense of authenticity and immersion. The film’s use of authentic African accents and cultural practices is a great addition to the movie.
The action scenes in the movie are well-choreographed and visually stunning. The variety of action scenes helps to keep the movie feeling fresh and exciting.
The cast of the movie are talented and diverse, and the chemistry between the actors is top-notch. The performances are generally strong, and the actors bring the story to life in a compelling and engaging way.
The costumes and makeup are subtle but effective in transforming the women into tribal warriors. The attention to detail in the costumes and makeup is impressive, and it helps to create a sense of authenticity and immersion.
The movie’s film score is a great addition to the film, and it helps to enhance the emotional impact of the scenes. The music is well-used and helps to create a sense of tension and excitement.
Overall, The Woman King is a visually stunning and action-packed film that tells an important story about sisterhood, love, and the complexities of African history.
While it has some flaws, the movie is a must-watch for anyone interested in historical epics and cultural significance.
The movie’s themes of female empowerment and sisterhood are inspiring and timely, and the film’s attention to detail in its cultural and historical context is impressive. The movie’s cast is talented and diverse, and the chemistry between the actors
