About the film (courtesy of TriStar Pictures):
The remarkable story of the Agojie, the all-female unit of warriors who protected the African Kingdom of Dahomey in the 1800s with skills and a fierceness unlike anything the world has ever seen. Inspired by true events, The Woman King follows the emotionally epic journey of General Nanisca (Oscar®-winner Viola Davis) as she inspires the King to take on the enemies determined to violate their honor and destroy their way of life. Some things are worth fighting for…
“Flat out powerful” is how I would describe the experience that is The Woman King. The female-centric historical action-drama delights in both its storytelling and entertainment aspects. Viola Davis stars as the unquestioned general of an all-female elite unit of warriors tasked with protected the African Kingdom of Dahomey from many enemies. Director Gina Prince-Bythewood (Love & Basketball (2000), The Secret Life of Bees (2008), The Old Guard (2020)) orchestrates a masterpiece of movie magic that will surely hook audiences everywhere.
The Woman King provides a solid foundation from the start by demonstrating just how fierce and relentless these warriors are and then building a layered story with branching plotlines to explore and expand upon. A major branch is in the form of Thuso Mbedu, who makes her feature film debut as Navi. Her story of failure and growth is quite compelling and will surely be well-received. Even though she’s relatively early in her career, just like her onscreen character, Mbedu does not shy away from a challenge. She is up for every challenge in her leading role and does not faulter while providing a breakthrough performance.
John Boyega, Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim, Jordan Bolger and Jimmy Odukoya are some of the other main supporting cast that contribute vital depth to the two and a quarter hourlong story with many moving parts. While the premise is rather simple, the complexity of all of these connected characters makes for a pace that doesn’t get too bogged down at any one time.
The Woman King is a story of great inner strength and putting others ahead of oneself for the betterment of the people. The fight is often hard, and without conviction, most will surely faulter. What the incredible people of this time did to rise up and fight for what they believed was right, is the stuff of legend. And as a matter of fact, without doing any research whatsoever, I’m guessing the inspiration behind the Dora Milaje (female special forces), tasked with protecting the fictional African nation of Wakanda in the Marvel Studios movies, was influenced by these real incredible women of the Agojie.
However one needs to rationalize it, The Woman King is worth taking a couple of hours out of your day to make it out see this one in theaters. You can see this one only in theaters starting Friday, September 16th with early showtimes on Thursday.
