The Woman King Movie Review: Viola Davis Impresses As Brave Warrior General In Historical Action Film
Academy Award winner Viola Davis has shown her versatility in her television and film career, playing lawyer, homemaker, housewife, and singer. In Gina Prince-Bytewood's The Woman King, the actress plays a more physical role of General Naniska, who leads a group of warriors fighting to defend the kingdom of Dahomey in West Africa. . Against their neighbors, the Oyos, and the slave trade that runs through Europe, Nanisika and her army are always there to protect the weak. (Also read : EXCLUSIVE || Viola Davis: Growing up, I saw black women considered uncool, I heard they weren't )
But as the war against Oyo and the slave traders intensifies, Agoji has to recruit fresh blood and train them well. Among them is the cruel Noi (Thisso Mbidu), who was abandoned by her family because of her rebelliousness. Naniska's trusted and veterans, Izogi (Lashana Lynch) and Amenza (Sheila Atim), oversee the training of the young women. The General must convince the King of Dahomey, Jez (John Boyega), to take the right side of history and condemn the slave trade that is destroying his people by exchanging them for arms and goods.
The historical epic, with its all-female wrestling setting, unfolds in what turns out to be an emotional portrayal of General Nanska finally admitting he's worked hard his whole life. Based on true events, screenwriter Dana Stevens weaves a story between the powerful bonds between women, old and new. When the older generation falls away from wisdom, the younger generation, in turn, has something to teach it.
Mobidu plays the stubborn but well-intentioned Nawi. She and Naniska find an unexpected bond between them. The South African actor has a starring role in Seth King. Also playing are Lynch's Focus Izougi and Amenza no Friels from Atom. But in the end, it's Davis' film that nails the 57-year-old with her usual grit. The role is both physical and emotional, and Davis doesn't disappoint as he continues with several young stars.
Several subplots about European slave traders, particularly a man of Dahomean descent, detract from the main action and sometimes get a bit messy as they follow the main story of Stephens and Maria Bello. However, when Prince-Bytewood commits to the action, the film is handled by Agoji who follows through like any male fighter would. The fight sequences are brutal, gruesome, and show their brutality as both sides fight for what they believe in. The soulful soundtrack by Terence Blanchard and Lebo M also adds to the intense battlefield experience.
The story is set in 1823 and deals with current issues, from sexism to racism, with a historical background. The characters, especially Naniska, have a consciousness they can't stop. The bad guys have a "fight or die" cry, and it's that guts that carries the movie as it moves through its narrative over the course of the show's 135 minutes. With an all-female cast and crew, The Woman King is a terrifying and fascinating tale of black excellence and power.
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