Directed By Gina Prince-Bythewood; Screenplay By Dana Stevens; Story By Maria Bello & Dana Stevens; Starring Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, and John Boyega.
Inspired by true events, The Woman King focuses on the Agojie, an all-female unit of warriors who protected the African Kingdom of Dahomey in the 1800s. They have skills and a fierceness unlike anything the world has ever seen before. The story follows the journey of General Nanisca (Viola Davis) as she trains the next generation of recruits and readies them for battle against an enemy determined to destroy their way of life.
Under Gina Prince-Bythewood’s direction, everything is so well mounted. The production design by Akin McKenzie is impeccable. Gersha Phillips’ costumes look unique. Terence Blanchard’s musical score feels very evocative of the setting of this film. Not to mention that there are some emotional moments as well as some badass moments throughout.
The performances on display are very strong. I may not worship Viola Davis like I know many people do, but I still agree that she is indeed one of the greats working today. She is absolutely in terrific form here. Although the standout to me is actually Thuso Mdebu as Nawi. She not only holds her own opposite Viola, but their onscreen relationship really is the heart and soul of this movie. Other highlights include Lashana Lynch as a fierce Izogie and John Boyega, who gives quite a reserved turn as King Ghezo.
Overall, The Woman King isn’t necessarily one of the best historical epics I’ve ever seen. Although what helps it standout out from the crowd is what it’s representing. Which would not only be diversity, but also an African culture. For that, we should all be eternally grateful that a movie like this exists. I may have been late to the party on The Woman King, but thankfully, I’ve rectified that. Hopefully, I managed to encourage more of you to seek it out ASAP.
Rating: 3.5/5
Inspired by true events, The Woman King focuses on the Agojie, an all-female unit of warriors who protected the African Kingdom of Dahomey in the 1800s. They have skills and a fierceness unlike anything the world has ever seen before. The story follows the journey of General Nanisca (Viola Davis) as she trains the next generation of recruits and readies them for battle against an enemy determined to destroy their way of life.
Under Gina Prince-Bythewood’s direction, everything is so well mounted. The production design by Akin McKenzie is impeccable. Gersha Phillips’ costumes look unique. Terence Blanchard’s musical score feels very evocative of the setting of this film. Not to mention that there are some emotional moments as well as some badass moments throughout.
The performances on display are very strong. I may not worship Viola Davis like I know many people do, but I still agree that she is indeed one of the greats working today. She is absolutely in terrific form here. Although the standout to me is actually Thuso Mdebu as Nawi. She not only holds her own opposite Viola, but their onscreen relationship really is the heart and soul of this movie. Other highlights include Lashana Lynch as a fierce Izogie and John Boyega, who gives quite a reserved turn as King Ghezo.
Overall, The Woman King isn’t necessarily one of the best historical epics I’ve ever seen. Although what helps it standout out from the crowd is what it’s representing. Which would not only be diversity, but also an African culture. For that, we should all be eternally grateful that a movie like this exists. I may have been late to the party on The Woman King, but thankfully, I’ve rectified that. Hopefully, I managed to encourage more of you to seek it out ASAP.
Rating: 3.5/5