The Woman King Movie-Review

“The Woman King” is an incredible tale of the Agojie, a group of female warriors who guarded the African Kingdom of Dahomey during the 1800s. They were known for their exceptional skills and unwavering ferocity, making them unlike any other fighting force in the world.

Based on real events, the film chronicles the emotional and epic journey of General Nanisca (played by Oscar®-winner Viola Davis) as she trains the new generation of warriors and prepares them for battle against an enemy that seeks to obliterate their way of life. It is a reminder that there are certain things worth fighting for.

In the West African kingdom of Dahomey in 1823, General Nanisca, leader of the all-female group of warriors, the Agojie, liberates Dahomean women who were abducted by slavers from the Oyo Empire. This provokes King Ghezo of Dahomey to prepare for an all-out war with the Oyo. Nanisca begins to train a new generation of warriors to join the Agojie to protect the kingdom. Among these warriors is Nawi, a strong-willed girl who was offered by her father to the king after refusing to marry men who would beat her. Nawi befriends Izogie, a veteran Agojie. She also reveals to Nanisca that she is adopted and shows a scar on her left shoulder, shocking Nanisca.

Portuguese slave traders led by Santo Ferreira and accompanied by the half-Dahomean Malik arrive as part of an alliance with the Oyo, led by General Oba Ade. Nawi encounters Malik while the latter is bathing, and the two become friends. Shortly after graduating from training to become a full-fledged Agojie, Nawi sneaks off to speak with Malik and learns that the Oyo are planning to attack. She reports this to Nanisca, who tells her off for her recklessness. Amidst a heated argument between the two, Nanisca reveals that in her youth, she was captured by Oba, raped, and impregnated. After giving birth to a daughter, Nanisca embedded a shark tooth in her left shoulder before giving her away. Nanisca helps Nawi extract the tooth, confirming that she is her biological daughter.

Nanisca, the leader of the Agojie, launched an attack on the Oyo. Although the attack was successful, Oba managed to escape, and Nawi, Fumbe, and Izogie were taken captive. With Nawi’s counsel, Fumbe managed to escape and inform Nanisca of the others’ fate. Ghezo was preparing to confer the title of Woman King, making Nanisca his partner and equal in governing Dahomey. However, he refused to authorize a rescue mission for the captive Agojie. Izogie tried to flee but was killed, and Nawi was bought by Malik to protect her. Nanisca, defying orders, joined forces with like-minded warriors to rescue the captives.

Amidst the chaos, Nawi manages to escape and reunite with Nanisca. Malik also helps by freeing a group of slaves who later overpower Ferreira. In a one-on-one combat, Nanisca emerges victorious against Oba. The victorious Agojie return to Dahomey, where Ghezo briefly reprimands Nanisca for her disobedience before crowning her as the Woman King. After the celebrations, Nanisca and Nawi acknowledge their family bond in private.

Preview: The Woman King: Official Clip – 2022

Source: Wikiwand & Rotten Tomatoes

The movie boasts exceptional cinematography and settings, with impressive use of lighting throughout. The action scenes are astonishing and feature award-winning caliber fight choreography. It has everything one could want in a movie – fantastic action scenes, well-developed villains, and themes of self-discovery and character triumph. I highly recommend seeing this movie and give it a perfect score of 10/10.

Stars: Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch

Genre: Action, Drama, History

Country: United States

PG-13

Language :  English

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