by Chantal Ashford, Contributing Writer
On September 16, the hashtag #BoycottWomanKing was trending on Twitter, and it made me curious as to why. Twitter users were speaking about the historical background of The Woman King and why it shouldn’t be seen. Seeing people’s reactions before actually experiencing this film fueled me to go even more. It was the best choice I could’ve made.
I hadn’t heard of this story about the African kingdom Dahomey and the Agojie army until I saw the trailer for this film. After seeing it, I was excited and ready. An original film, a Black director, and an almost all-Black cast… I’m down for it. Also, it’s a moment in history to be seen on a grand scale.
The Woman King tells the epic tale of the all-female warrior army, the Agojie, led by their fierce leader, General Nanisca (Viola Davis). The Agojie protect their kingdom, Dahomey, from the neighboring captors. As European colonization is looming and Dahomey is in affairs with Portuguese slave traders, Nanisca urges her King Ghezo (John Boyega) to end their relationship and focus on their export of palm oil. Nanisca, alongside her two right hands, Amenza (Sheila Atim) and Izogie (Lashana Lynch), is now training the new generation of women warriors to take on their enemy trying to change their way of life.
But there’s another story: a young woman, Nawi (Thuso Mbedu), is deemed unmarriageable by her father after she fights off a suitor to be her husband. Nawi is brought to the kingdom by her father to become a soldier, a moment that will change her life forever, as she trains amongst other young women to be the best of the best. The young soldier-in-training is cocky and stubborn, but naïve. As time goes on, Nawi learns what it’s like to be a soldier, but more importantly, a woman and a sister.
Davis is a thundering force as Nanisca, a woman with the world on her shoulders who wants to do right by her people, but also by her king. She struggles with her own rules of being a soldier as a dark secret threatens her world. She’s an energy to be reckoned with and kills it every time she appears on the screen. In one of their last scenes, Nanisca is speaking with Nawi, and Davis had me fixated, feeling everything she felt in this bittersweet moment.
Mbedu is definitely the breakout star. She soars as Nawi, trying to find herself and where she belongs while becoming a warrior. Everything comes full circle as she’s right where she needs to be. She struggles, needing to be broken down and brought back up again to prevail. Mbedu pulls at your heartstrings — you want her to succeed in becoming a warrior and to know her actual truth.
Lynch is the standout as third in command, Izogie. She is a powerhouse in her own right, making you chuckle when the moment is lighthearted and showing how much of a badass she is when she goes toe-to-toe with any man in her way. She steals every scene she is in, and I rooted for her til the end. Also, she has claw-like nails for obvious reasons, which was one of my favorites.
Atim gives a subtle but commanding performance as second in command and Nanisca’s number one, Amenza. She is the voice of reason for Nanisca, and a fierce warrior. She stands behind her general through thick and thin. She may question a bit, but her loyalty doesn’t waver. I remember Atim from earlier this year in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,and even though her moment is small in The Woman King, she is memorable, and just made me want her more.
Last, but not least, Boyega is sharp and unforgettable as King Ghezo. It’s another performance that is short-lived, but Boyega gave his all without going over the top. He’s man trying to protect his people, along with trying to keep the traders happy. He has a burden on his shoulders, while trying to hold onto his power. Sharing this screen with these other amazing performances by the leading ladies, Boyega holds his own.
Director Gina Prince-Bythewood gives us afilm that I want to relive again in the theaters. The action scenes with the Agoije are some of the best fight choreography I’ve seen in quite some time. You’re cheering, clapping, and on the edge of your seat rooting for them to prevail. There are moments of both tugging on your heartstrings and fear — there will be no dry eye in the house. The film excels thanks to the beautiful cinematography of Africa, the colors of the culture, the beautiful African sounds throughout the score, and telling a piece of history while being groundbreaking. Didn’t think I would have to use that word, but it happened.
A film this good did end up with a little bit of backlash. The Dahomey and Ouidah tribes were a part of the Atlantic slave trade. They were trading their own people for European goods, and many believe this to be a good reason to boycott. There’s no reason to boycott because the story explains everything to cool heads. Yes, the thought alone is upsetting, but of course, it’s a part of the history.
This isn’t a sequel, book adaptation, or reboot. It’s an original story welcomed into the theaters — a Black cast can lead a Hollywood action blockbuster. Don’t sleep on this movie, and don’t listen to a hashtag or what the haters have to say. Go see it. All Hail Viola Davis, The Woman King.
Score: 10/10
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