A Reel Review: THE WOMAN KING

When it comes to historical war pictures, the most common complaint in the modern era is “they don’t make them like they used to”. It’s a fair gripe, as the days of thousands of extras charging each other in a real, outdoor location seems to have been replaced with artificial soldiers and environments. But not so for THE WOMAN KING. 

 

Set in the West African kingdom of Dahomey in the 1820’s, General Nanisca (Viola Davis), commands and trains a legion of female warriors, defending against enemies from their own country and from other shores…

 

Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood and based on the history of the Agojie, THE WOMAN KING is a slice of overlooked history intertwined with personal drama. Nanisca and her captains (Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim), are loyally serving their king (John Boyega), who has long condoned but is now looking to end the slave trade with other countries. This progressive move upsets a rival kingdom who has long profited from selling their own people into slavery. Meanwhile, a young recruit named Nawi (Thuso Mbedu), enters the Agojie army and learns things the hard way. 

 

THE WOMAN KING smartly, and skillfully navigates the many happenings. The war story and themes of human rights along with the personal stories of Nanisca and Nawi weave together nicely, and a mid-movie twist turns everything on its head. There are very little cliches or standard templates to be followed, as the film starts off with Nanisca and her army already in their glory…thankfully avoiding any origin tales. 

 

Filmed on location in South Africa, the film looks gorgeous, and there is a commitment to actual swordfighting and practical effects; if there is any CGI here, it’s barely noticeable. The film clocks in at 135 minutes but doesn’t feel its length thanks to some snappy pacing and smart editing. The gore is there, but isn’t overdone, and locations such as the African plains or the palaces are stunning. Terence Blanchard’s score is excellent. 

 

Also excellent is the acting. Viola Davis, at 57 years young, takes on the burden of physicality as if she was born into it, and her emotional moments are done so well we can look at this long-gifted actress in a new light. Lashana Lynch and Sheila Atim are also excellent, and John Boyega shines as the young king. The show is stolen by young Thuso Mbedu, who holds her own against the veteran cast, and has a gut-wrenching scene when she weeps and wails over a fallen warrior. 

 

THE WOMAN KING will undoubtedly earn comparisons to the many other sword-driven epics of the past, but thanks to its unique story and relevance in today’s age, truly stands on its own. It’s one of those films that’s meant to make our fighting spirits soar, and that’s how they should always make them. 

 

BOTTOM LINE: See it