Starring: Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim, John Boyega
Although black people can claim representation with films such as these or the upcoming 'Little Mermaid' film featuring a black female lead, one cannot help but notice how the scales are tipped in Hollywood.
When 'Wonder Woman' was released, the film was hyped up on every network talk show, late-night shows and social media. However, the same cannot be said for 'The Woman King', a film not only similar to the Amazonians but closer to reality as it is based on historical facts.
Viola Davis stars in the historical drama as Nanisca, the leader of the Agojie, a group of female warriors. The Agojie are the only protection between the Kingdom of Dahomey and their long-time rivals, the Oyo.
When Nanisca and her soldiers rescue a group of women who were captured by slavers from the Oyo Empire, King Ghezo prepares for war, as he knows the Oyo will retaliate. Izogie trains the new recruits.
Nawi is a strong-willed girl who refuses to get married. Her father dumps her at the palace gates to join the Agojie, as he wants to get rid of her. Izogie sees the determination in Nawi’s eyes and lets her join.
Nawi’s stubbornness causes her to clash with Nanisca often, but Nawi proves her dedication and excels at her training. She even finishes first during the final test and is hailed the winner by the king. After joining the Agojie, Nawi discloses that she is in fact an orphan who was adopted. The only thing she has of her parentage is a birthmark on her left shoulder. Nanisca is shocked to hear this as it reminds her of the horrific past.
Secrets will be uncovered, loyalties tested and only the strong will survive in this action-packed feature starring strong black women from all over the world. The most interesting fact about this film is that the Agojie were real. Just as they are represented in the film, the Agojie were an all-female group of warriors that served the Dahomey Kingdom of Benin. They were disbanded when the kingdom became a French protectorate.
Knowing the film is based on historical figures makes it that much more interesting. The cinematography is what makes the film a success. The direction, the acting, the action and the execution are all flawless, just like the women themselves. The choreography of the fight scenes is something to be experienced on the big screen. We need to show up to the cinemas for these women because these women woke up and showed up in this film!
Star rating: 4 stars
