The Woman King (A- or 3.5/4 stars)
Director Gina Prince-Bythewood's empowering historical epic 'The Woman King' is inspired by the real-life Agojie, an elite, all-women royal military guard of the Kingdom of Dahomey (West Africa's Benin) in the 19th century; ruled by King Ghezo (John Boyega). The Agojie {known as The Amazons by Europeans}, led by the group's influential general, Nanisca (Viola Davis), fought with ferocity, honor, and were revered by men to be on equal footing - not only in combat - but also in politics & religion. Nanisca is also responsible for the rigorous training of young female recruits who end up at the palace for various reasons. One such recruit, Nawi (Thuso Mbedu), is a teen whose adopted father banishes her to the king for refusing an arranged marriage.
She & others fall under the tutelage of Izogie (Lashana Lynch), an Agojie lieutenant tasked with getting these girls into fighting shape. Strong-willed Nawi questions authority, yet still forms a strong bond with Izogie. Nanisca's 2nd-in-command is Amenza (Sheila Atim); her confidant who guards Nanisca's long kept dark secret. The kingdom is in turmoil due to the slave trading business. Nanisca is ardently opposed to this horrifying practice, expressing to King Ghezo that $$ can be made in exporting palm oil instead of humans -- but will he listen? Dahomey's rival empire, the Oyos, has a savage general who is responsible for kidnapping many in the area to sell to enslavers such as Santo (Hero Fiennes Tiffin), a Brazilian on his maiden voyage, & his friend, Malik (Jordan Bolger), a fellow explorer with Dahomey roots ... and eyes for Nawi. Chaos ensues as Nanisca must come to grips with her past, all while trying to defeat threats from the rival tribes & European enslavers.
Now, THIS is what I call a rousing "movie movie" -- the kind that drove audiences to the theater way back in the day & enthralled them with simple, but effective mainstream sensibilities. 'The Woman King' is a majestic, magnificent film -- beautiful & powerful in equal measure. Viola Davis leads the charge in the acting department, but also co-produces. And actress Maria Bello co-wrote the screenplay with Dana Stevens. Sure, not everything is perfect {a so-so choice here, an odd shot selection there, some historical inaccuracies}, but it simply doesn't matter -- the film resonates. And the dialogue is fantastic; no wasted words or actions.
This potent, poignant film celebrates black sisterhood and, it is aided exceedingly well by the ensemble cast. Viola Davis is exceptional as the tight-lipped, world weary Gen. Nanisca; commanding the screen with gravitas, fierceness, yet also stunning vulnerability in key moments. Her cold exterior hides a wellspring of emotions just bubbling beneath the surface. Thuso Mbedu is compelling as Nawi, the ambitious recruit ready to prove her worth. And her connection with Davis' Nanisca is pivotal to the alchemy that drives the story. Lashana Lynch skillfully balances her own brand of ferocity with comely moments of kindness & humor. And I was absolutely hypnotized by Sheila Atim's regal intensity at both Nanisca's side & on the battlefield.
The action scenes are scintillatingly-choreographed & sharply shot by Polly Morgan, who highlights the unique weaponry & landscapes. The detailed sets & warrior/palace costumes {by Gersha Phillips} are authentically gorgeous. And Terence Blanchard's pulse-pounding, percussive music {he collaborated with South African artist Lebo M} is great. Although there's a slightly unnecessary romance {still, it's sweetly rendered}, the movie's narrative manages to balance the thunderous action with meaningful character development & historical reflection. It is notable that most of the film crew is women and, they've delivered this little-known, but important & stirring story that combines the splendor & cathartic uplift of historical epics before it. Great movie!
She & others fall under the tutelage of Izogie (Lashana Lynch), an Agojie lieutenant tasked with getting these girls into fighting shape. Strong-willed Nawi questions authority, yet still forms a strong bond with Izogie. Nanisca's 2nd-in-command is Amenza (Sheila Atim); her confidant who guards Nanisca's long kept dark secret. The kingdom is in turmoil due to the slave trading business. Nanisca is ardently opposed to this horrifying practice, expressing to King Ghezo that $$ can be made in exporting palm oil instead of humans -- but will he listen? Dahomey's rival empire, the Oyos, has a savage general who is responsible for kidnapping many in the area to sell to enslavers such as Santo (Hero Fiennes Tiffin), a Brazilian on his maiden voyage, & his friend, Malik (Jordan Bolger), a fellow explorer with Dahomey roots ... and eyes for Nawi. Chaos ensues as Nanisca must come to grips with her past, all while trying to defeat threats from the rival tribes & European enslavers.
Now, THIS is what I call a rousing "movie movie" -- the kind that drove audiences to the theater way back in the day & enthralled them with simple, but effective mainstream sensibilities. 'The Woman King' is a majestic, magnificent film -- beautiful & powerful in equal measure. Viola Davis leads the charge in the acting department, but also co-produces. And actress Maria Bello co-wrote the screenplay with Dana Stevens. Sure, not everything is perfect {a so-so choice here, an odd shot selection there, some historical inaccuracies}, but it simply doesn't matter -- the film resonates. And the dialogue is fantastic; no wasted words or actions.
This potent, poignant film celebrates black sisterhood and, it is aided exceedingly well by the ensemble cast. Viola Davis is exceptional as the tight-lipped, world weary Gen. Nanisca; commanding the screen with gravitas, fierceness, yet also stunning vulnerability in key moments. Her cold exterior hides a wellspring of emotions just bubbling beneath the surface. Thuso Mbedu is compelling as Nawi, the ambitious recruit ready to prove her worth. And her connection with Davis' Nanisca is pivotal to the alchemy that drives the story. Lashana Lynch skillfully balances her own brand of ferocity with comely moments of kindness & humor. And I was absolutely hypnotized by Sheila Atim's regal intensity at both Nanisca's side & on the battlefield.
The action scenes are scintillatingly-choreographed & sharply shot by Polly Morgan, who highlights the unique weaponry & landscapes. The detailed sets & warrior/palace costumes {by Gersha Phillips} are authentically gorgeous. And Terence Blanchard's pulse-pounding, percussive music {he collaborated with South African artist Lebo M} is great. Although there's a slightly unnecessary romance {still, it's sweetly rendered}, the movie's narrative manages to balance the thunderous action with meaningful character development & historical reflection. It is notable that most of the film crew is women and, they've delivered this little-known, but important & stirring story that combines the splendor & cathartic uplift of historical epics before it. Great movie!