'The Woman King' Review: Viola Davis Leads A Groundbreaking And Glorious Action Epic
Before Amazon from Wonder Woman or Dora Milahe from Black Panther, there was Agosi. Far from fantasy, these warriors represent the West African army that has defended the kingdom of Dahomey from warring neighbors and foreign slave traders for centuries. In Lady King, director Gina Prince-Bythewood brings her legacy to life, creating a landmark show based on exciting action scenes, charming humor and a kind heart.
Screenwriter Dana Stevens and narrator Maria Bello present a century of suffering through a window and the story of four extraordinary women in the 1800s. Viola Davis stars as General Naniska, whose fight to end the slave trade is becomes more difficult as past traumas resurface. At his side is Amanza (Sheila Atim), a captive soldier who acts as a spiritual guide among her sisters-in-arms. New to this is Navi (Tuso Mbedu), who politely follows the instructions of Aizoggy (Lashana Lynch), whose weapon of choice is real talk and whose fingernails sharpen her eyes. Together they face not only fearsome warriors, but also the double standards of sexuality reflected in their free empire.
Viola Davis did a great job playing the title role.For nearly a century, American war movies have been devoted to stories of white men who sacrifice life and limb to glorify their country or their cause. In a speech ahead of the world premiere of Seth King at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival, Davis spoke openly about how unlikely it was for her to star in a war movie. A 57-year-old black woman challenges the racism, sexism, and age discrimination prevalent in Hollywood. Making this film in such an environment is an achievement in itself. But beyond that, Davis delivered a game that will be remembered as one of the best of his career.
Intense physical activity turns the body into strong muscles with a focus on palm oil, making it difficult to bond. In The Woman King's stunning opening sequence, Naniska, followed by her soldiers, rises silently and still from a sea of tall grass, her people as silent as tigers on their way out and eerily glowing in the moonlight. That are beautiful. They're strong. But they do nothing but break people's hearts.
In the action scenes, Davis plays a calm and confident James Bond who handles hand-to-hand combat and seemingly non-existent weapons with impressive ease. However, Naniska will have to deal with political intrigue, petty grievances, and personal destruction. Compared to John Boyega's ruler, King Gezo, he is patient and strong-willed. (Whether Ego's protector of his many wives or his warrior). In the intimate scenes where Naniska's stone exterior crumbles, Davis pours out her vulnerability like water. Regardless of whether she fights Kanan, she will be a powerful Oyo warrior.
This is how Embedu became a rookie star fighter.After making his mark on TV shows like Suga and Underground Railroad, Buddha became a revelation in The Woman King. A rebellious girl abandoned in Agoji when her father failed to marry her off, Nabi has the strength and character that make her both a gift and a burden to her commanders. In their story, Prince Bythewood and Stevens represent the racial conflict over the role of women in their kingdom. In particular, Navi's love interest for a European visitor (Jordan Bolger) leads him to question Egosy's celibacy.
With an expressive face and choppy speech, Embedo stars against Davis, who struggles through many tense scenes. The romance plot is woefully weak, with elaborate appeals and an unwillingness to explore the true value of the sacrifices Ego demands when the film gets bogged down trying to cover them up. Or maybe the problem is that Navi has too much chemistry with her mentor. As Izogi, Lashana Lynch (No Time To Die, Captain Marvel) is tough and fierce, delivering life lessons with an eye and a heavy hand. With a wide smile and serene gaze, he brings the viewer closer to dark exaltation and embodies the fantasy of joining this loyal and divine martial brotherhood.
Meanwhile, Naniska Amenza's confidante, Sheila Atim, makes these characters more complex as women and warriors. There is strength and pain in each role, the latter often resulting from sexual behavior, sexual abuse, or disrespect for women born under patriarchal restrictions. But there is a spark in each of them that makes them uniquely accomplished heroes. So Atim Amenza is not just a wise man or a shoulder to cry on; He is a happy guide, full of compassion and sincerity... and a bit of anger. In short, he has created an absolutely fantastic tapestry fueled by passion, experience and strength.
Lady King has a great game.As with The Old Guard, director Gina Prince-Bythewood weaves the harrowing story of one woman's life into unique and compelling action sequences. Seth King portrays suffering in a romantic light, making it seem like superheroes, and the action sometimes escalates into parkour-like or superhuman shock. But I don't go to historical epics for reality or authenticity; I go to the cinema and to excursions. And the woman presented herself to the king.
These action scenes focus on Agos' skill and determination. Likewise, Prince-Bytewood rejects the horror standard set by war movies that focus on on-screen destruction. Here, most of the killing takes place behind the scenes, with a well thought out design. Blood spirits are ribbons, not rivers. The scene of violence comes not from the throat, but from the unique craftsmanship of the fight choreography, which includes punches and kicks, knives, machetes, and skilful ropes. So when Prince Bythewood magnifies his wounds, the result is not joy, but shock and often pain, for he can only embody the warrior we love.
Now, because the terrain is so spectacular, Nari Raja faces unfair obstacles. A film about black women stands out in a sea of white and male narratives and therefore carries a heavy representational load. A movie can't be all about a time, place, or people. This historical thriller struggles with how far he can go as he pursues love and tries to portray a troubled king. How much attention should women pay to men's shortcomings when making stories? Balance is a battle with no clear winner.
Once again, Gina Prince-Bythewood has created a stunning action movie that impresses with its intense battle scenes, yet captivates with its heartfelt storytelling. Sheila Atim and Lashana Lynch bring a lot of charm to their excellent supporting roles, and Soso Mbedu takes their place as a genius to behold. Viola Davis delivers a complex and compelling performance that lands her another Oscar nomination. As a general rule, they make the female king radical, brilliant and cunning.
The Queen will have its world premiere at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival. The film opens in theaters on September 16.
