REVIEW: The Woman King is an Empowering Story for All

Set in 1823, The Woman King follows the Agojie, who watch over the West African kingdom of Dahomey. Led by General Nanisca (Viola Davis), the all-female army is a filled with fierce warriors who protect their kingdom from all that might threaten it. In the midst of training the next generation of warriors, Nanisca and the army is faced with a new threat coming from a neighboring Oyo tribe, led by Oba Ade (Jimmy Odukoya). Deep rooted in the slave trade, Ade hopes to take over the Dahomey kingdom and add its people to the trade. Now, Nanisca must convince her king, King Ghezo (John Boyega) that for their kingdom to survive they must stop Ade and his army before the threat changes their way of life forever.

Based on the real Agojie, their story should seem familiar to some for it inspired the Dora Milaje featured in the Black Panther comic series and movie. This film takes a deeper look into the actual army and the power they held with the Dahomey. Director Gina Prince-Bythewood has created an epic film that will inspire generations to come. Screenplay writer Dana Stevens has crafted a story that showcases the sisterhood these women while also telling the politics one faces while protecting their kingdom. Stevens and Prince-Bythewood find a nice balance between telling rebellion trainee, Naw’s (Thuso Mbedu) story while also never loosing sight of the overall story. It’s also nice to watch a story where the women have a say in what is happening in their kingdom instead of just being told to do what they’re told.

However, it’s not just the story that will have you captivated. From the costumes to the rituals performed by the Agojie, the film is a feast for your eyes and your ears. Though, the positives don’t stop there. Each character in this film is a force to be reckon with that don’t get lost behind their tough exterior. Davis is perfect as the army’s leader. Throughout the entire film, she holds herself in a way that commands respect. This is a woman you don’t want to mess with in all the best ways possible.
Lashana Lynch plays the no-nonsense warrior Izogie while Sheila Atim plays Nanisca’s second-in-command, Amenza. Both ladies are strong in their own ways which allows the audience to relate with each character in a different way. Mbedu’s Naw is the perfect addition to these three ladies. She brings not only a sense of youthfulness to the film, but a little bit of comedy as well.

The Woman King is a film everyone should see. It’s filled with empowering woman who command respect from start to finish, in more ways than one. I highly recommend checking it out this weekend.

Grade: A