The Woman King (2022), directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, is an epic historical drama inspired by true events, focusing on the Agojie, an all-female warrior unit that protected the Kingdom of Dahomey (present-day Benin) in West Africa during the 18th and 19th centuries. The film features a powerhouse performance by Viola Davis, who stars as General Nanisca, and is a testament to female strength, resilience, and leadership.

Plot Overview:

Set in the Kingdom of Dahomey, The Woman King follows Nanisca, the seasoned and fierce general of the Agojie, as she trains a new generation of female warriors. The film introduces Nawi (Thuso Mbedu), a young woman who is recruited into the Agojie after being given up by her father. As the film progresses, we see Nanisca confront personal and political struggles, including dealing with the threat of European colonization and the kingdom’s ties to the transatlantic slave trade. The story explores themes of unity, resistance, and the powerful bond between the women of Dahomey.

Critical Reception:

Upon its release, The Woman King received widespread acclaim for its performances, direction, and action sequences, though it also sparked some discussions about historical accuracy. Below are the highlights of the reception:

Positive Aspects:

•Viola Davis’ Performance: Critics universally praised Viola Davis’ portrayal of Nanisca, describing it as one of her career-defining roles. Davis brings both strength and vulnerability to the character, making her a compelling leader and emotional center of the film.

•Cinematography and Action Sequences: The film’s action scenes were widely admired for their intensity and choreography. The battle sequences are brutal, well-executed, and emotional, with the warriors’ precision and skill making for an exhilarating viewing experience. The cinematography by Polly Morgan beautifully captures the lush landscapes of Africa and the grittiness of war.

•Historical Context and Empowerment: Many found the film to be a much-needed exploration of African history, focusing on strong female protagonists who are often overlooked in cinema. The film empowers viewers with a narrative about women who were warriors and leaders, which resonates with contemporary themes of female empowerment and strength.

•Direction by Gina Prince-Bythewood: Prince-Bythewood’s direction was widely lauded for handling both the personal and political elements of the story with finesse. The pacing of the film balances action with emotional depth, and her ability to craft a narrative about historical figures while making it accessible and relatable to modern audiences was praised.

Critiques:

•Historical Accuracy: Some critics noted that while The Woman King takes inspiration from true events, it takes creative liberties with history, particularly regarding the Kingdom of Dahomey’s involvement in the slave trade. While the film focuses on the Agojie’s heroic resistance to external forces, it does not shy away from acknowledging Dahomey’s involvement in slavery, but the portrayal may have been oversimplified for dramatic effect.

•Character Development of Supporting Cast: While Davis’ Nanisca is well-developed, some critics felt that the supporting characters, particularly Nawi and other members of the Agojie, could have been fleshed out more. Their personal struggles and motivations aren’t explored as deeply as Nanisca’s, which could have provided additional emotional layers to the story.

•Pacing: A few viewers found the pacing uneven, especially in the middle section of the film, where certain plot points were either rushed or underexplored. Some felt that it could have delved deeper into the characters’ inner turmoil and their relationships with one another.

Conclusion:

The Woman King is a remarkable film that brings to light a significant and often overlooked chapter of African history, all while delivering a powerful narrative about female strength and resilience. While it takes creative liberties with historical accuracy, the film’s portrayal of the Agojie and the strong performances, especially by Viola Davis, make it an unforgettable cinematic experience. It balances action, emotion, and historical drama with impressive technical execution, making it a standout film of 2022.

The film is both a tribute to the brave women of Dahomey and a call to recognize the untold stories of historical women warriors. Despite minor critiques, it is an inspiring and empowering film that will resonate with audiences long after the credits roll.