Courage, Cassius Viola Davis looms over them all. The Woman King is an unimaginable movie unlike anything I have ever seen. Hollywood for the first time has made a historical epic about and driven by the agonies of black warrior women. Davis and her co-performers grace an expansive narrative that touches on many difficult subjects. But it is not only these things that define their journey; they also feel love, joy, and purpose while they defend their sacred way of life. And you will be engulfed in the Woman King. Davis has become a contender for best lead actor in the heavyweight category.
Dahomey located in West Africa during 1823 faces extinction. The Oyo Empire attacks Dahomey villages leaving behind dead bodies, raped females, and captives to sell into slavery through the horrific slave trade.The Portuguese slavers are waiting at coast awaiting human cargo.Oyo have collected guns and horses under the merciless General Oba Ade (Jimmy Odukoya).
The Agojie go for a raid to free a Dahomey village led by General Nanisca (Davis). She goes back to King Ghezo (John Boyega), with very sharp warning signs regarding these behaviors of Oyo encroaching on their territories.As per this phrase an answer must be given now as resistance must begin.Ghezo who is wiser than his foolish brother believes what Nanisca tells him.
Meanwhile, Nawi (Thuso Mbedu) headstrong Nawi has failed her father once too often.He drops her at the gates of palace like he did when she was given as a gift to king.No commoner had access inside palace or were permitted to see Agojie until then.Nawi accepts membership among them instead of being forced into something else.She catches the attention of Izogie (Lashana Lynch), a boot-kicking but comic figure who notes that she might be something special.Nawi’s conceit does not seem to impress Nanisca who is very stern.
The Dahomey have brought their tribute offerings for the Oyo coming. They also bring Malik (Jordan Bolger), a half Portuguese, half Dahomey sailor whose Dahomey mother was kidnapped and sold as a slave. Nanisca is scared of Oba Ade who is sneering at her. She has met this evil person before.
Dahomey life surrounds you in The Woman King. With great precision, director Gina Prince-Bythewood (Love & Basketball, The Old Guard) explains the subtleties of their African tribal culture.King Ghezo sits amongst his wives and eunuchs while the Agojie stands guard like a bunch of loyal people.Men are prohibited from entering into the king’s section of the palace. Ghezo’s favorite wife Shante (Jayme Lawson) and rival infantry leader Sivuyile Ngesi make trouble for Nanisca.The Palace intrigues bring out politics in an intricately woven story line.Nanisca must convince Ghezo that they need to change to survive within Dhome.Their lands, riches and bodies are wanted by both Europeans and Oyo who want to exploit them.
There were brutal scenes which would break your heart.There have been enough movies about slavery and war with these books being far worse than reality.Prisoners were treated worse than animals.Rape, torture, appalling conditions – everything is shown exactly as it was.I turned away with disgust throughout those slave auctions and sex attacks.No holds barred here on The Woman King.Audiences ought to know how Africa’s blood built up wealth Europe now enjoys stability with today.
The fight of Nanisca to save her people leads to reflection upon herself that is painful. She is an unequalled fighter and tactician, but also she struggles with trauma and regret. Numerous narrative explosions occur in the form of several twists. We shall see how far and at what cost Nanisca’s rise to command the Agojie. Davis runs from one end of acting greatness to another end. She is a fantastic actress who brings out the inner turmoil as well as battlefield prowess of the protagonist in style. The Woman King is one among the best films this year standing on her mighty shoulders.
TriStar Pictures, Welle Entertainment, JuVee Productions, Jack Blue Productions, and Entertainment One produced The Woman King.
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