Film Review: THE WOMAN KING (2022) DIR. GINA PRINCE-BLYTHEWOOD
Film Still from The Woman King (2022)
© Sony Pictures
Written by Belle McIntyre
This spectacularly shot film has so much going for it and it more than delivers on all levels. A brilliant ensemble cast headed up by the phenomenally talented Viola Davis (Nanisca), music by Terrence Blanchard, songs by Angelique Kidjo, ravishing sets, costumes, and hair, dazzling scenes of fighting and dancing delivered with pacing which gives breathing room between those intense scenes.
Film Still from The Woman King (2022)
© Sony Pictures
Based on actual historical facts which took place in the African kingdom of Dahomey, in the 1820’s in a time of flourishing slave trade and aggressive colonization by the Portuguese. The relatively enlightened King Ghezo (John Boyega) is primarily concerned with a more local enemy, the Oyo, led by the uber-violent king, Oba Ade (Jimmy Odukoya). The Agojie people of Dahomey have a unique secret weapon against all aggressors to their kingdom in the form of the women warriors, lead by the fearlessly ferocious General Nanisca. She controls her army with steely authority. The warriors are essentially signing on to a life of total commitment to their role as soldiers. Training is rigorous and intense, with Nanisca, the demanding task master as well as mentor, and occasionally comforter-in-chief.
Film Still from The Woman King (2022)
© Sony Pictures
The beautiful Viola Davis has transformed herself into a battle-scarred tough-as-nails warrior who is also a shrewd tactical thinker, who sees beyond the immediate threats to her people. She recognizes that the greater enemy is the Portuguese, with whom the king has signed treaties which guarantees them safety from invasion as long as they turn over their captured enemies. Nanisca correctly understands that the enslavement of any Africans is ultimately immoral and leaves them all vulnerable. She also sees the truth that the Portuguese and their treaty are not to be trusted. This position is at odds with King Ghezo, who is unwilling to give up the profitability of the slave trade. Nanisca convinces him to develop the farming of coconut oil as an alternative income source. She outsmarts the Portuguese threat by forming an alliance with the hated Oba Ade, believing that “the enemy of my enemy is my ally”. Eventually the brave and heroic actions of the Agojie warriors, successfully prove the wisdom of Nanisca to the Agojie people and King Ghezo, who elevates Nanisca to the position of King.
This film is a welcome addition to the under-represented, yet increasing genre of female empowerment as well as the bonus of providing an equally important representation of Black history in the context of world history. There are other examples of female warriors In African history, which will come as a revelation to many. Netflix has a documentary called Women Warriors. A useful addition to the canon.
Film Still from The Woman King (2022)
© Sony Pictures
