The Woman King

 

The Woman King is a historical drama by Love & Basketball director Gina Prince-Bythewood. Set in the 1820s, it follows the Agojie, an all-female warrior group sworn to protect the West African kingdom of Dahomey. The film stars Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim, and John Boyega.

The costumes and hair stylings were beautiful and historically accurate. The showcase of South African culture with the dances and initiations was also amazing to see.

This casting was impeccable. Everyone brought their best to their roles. Viola Davis as Nanisca, the leader of the Agojie. She projected an unmatchable strength and poise. She stepped in and really dominated this leading role. Thuso Mbedu is someone I hadn’t seen in any roles prior. However, after seeing her portrayal of Nawi, I want to seek out more of her work. She brought such a great amount of range to this role. She was innocent yet still very strong-willed. Her unwillingness to bend to the undesirable wishes of others was also great to see. Lashana Lynch is such a talent. I’ve seen her in a number of big blockbusters, including No Time to Die and Captain Marvel, but she never got the amount of screen time she deserved. In the role of Izogie she was finally able to showcase her full talent. She was funny with a mothering nature and also an impressive fortitude. Sheila Atim was great in Bruised as Halle Berry’s coach and love interest, so I was excited to see her in the role of Amenza. She projected an unmatchable forte and loyalty to Nanisca. John Boyega was also great as King Ghezo. He did well in never outshining the women and his character was one that understood the importance of evolving. Hero Fiennes Tiffin was an unexpected casting choice as Santo Ferreira. I’m more used to seeing him in young adult, brooding roles, like the After franchise, so it was impressive to see him step outside of his typecast and portray a role that is completely different and to do it well.

Seeing strong women who are the line of defense for a nation was impactful. The Dora Milaje from Marvel’s Black Panther were inspired by this group of women. The fight choreography was done by the same people who contributed to Black Panther. You could see the influence in the crisp and clean Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo. The difference for The Woman King was the way it was filmed and enacted in a more gritty and believable manner.

In the end, representation is so important. To see a primarily Black cast in a story where Africans are not only victims, but also the breaker of chains, was something that filled me with pride. The Woman King was a well written, confidence boosting, heart filling, and refreshing piece of cinema. This is history not often told but is one that everyone should see.