The Woman King is a masterpiece dedicated to highlighting the natural strength and bravery of Black Woman in the nineteenth century. Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood the period piece is inspired by the West-African land of Dahomey now known as Benin (since 1975) and its female protectors. Women whom were ranked higher and feared more than men. As told by the movie and history the female protectors of The Dahomey were referred to as The Agojie. Although the movie has been said to not be one hundred percent historically accurate it’s values and message are as clear as day.
The story follows The Agojie, King Ghezo and the training of the newest recruits in preparations of a new threat . It showcases the active involvement of the Europeans in Africa, selling and buying anything from product to respect to slaves. Making sure not to downplay the horrifying effects of these transactions and violence in Africa, The Woman King efficiently carries us on this journey.
Within minutes of the opening credits we are ambushed (much like the men) by the strength of the Agojie. The team of women led by Nanisca (Viola Davis) and Izogie (Lashana Lynch) immediately proved why they are held so highly. Intensive combat and unity is the only ways to describe the the first scenes. We witness how women half the size of built men are able to take them down and succeed in their mission, retrieving their stolen people and the women hiding behind their men’s crime. That feeling of unity is evident in their battles also in the care shown towards the bodies of fallen soldiers afterwards. Soon after we are introduced to Nawi (Thuso Mbedu) who is eventually dragged to the kings doorstep and offered to him after sending away every man brought to her by her parents. Greeted by Igozie at the door she is invited in and so her journey begins.
Like Prince-Bythewood’s other productions ( Love & Basketball, Beyond The Lights) she is no stranger to filling the audience with pure emotion. This strategy always leaves the audiences connecting to the onscreen characters, effectively making us mirror their anger, joy or heartbreak. The entire credit however cannot simply be given to the director. In fact eighty percent of it must be given to the ridiculously talented cast. Their enthusiastic portrayal of their characters, the time and effort placed into attending combat classes and workouts. Every minute that these women spent preparing for the role was worth it. Every cry and death was felt and accompanied by dropped jaws and gasps from the audience.
Although the female milatary group report to King Ghezo (John Boyega) the movie did not fail at having women be the centre of it and slip into being another patriarchal nightmare. The men in this movie were given minimal screen time despite their importance, in the short periods we gained an understanding of who they are and what they stand for. Whether it’s the villain (Jimmy OduKoya), the Portuguese brat (Hero Fiennes Tiffin) or the kind-hearted Portuguese-Dahomey love interest (John Bolger).
All in all this movie will be talked about for decades when the question of women in acting is mentioned. It will be brought up when they debate on who the effective directors are. Regardless of whether it was realised in July or September The Woman King has most definitely landed itself in the top ten movies of 2022.
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Amazing review. I agree