Once again, Gina Prince-Bythewood has produced a masterpiece. The Agojie, also known as the Dahomey Amazons, were an all-female warrior tribe, and their tale is told in The Woman king by an amazing ensemble cast. The movie is an action epic with some of the best battle scenes in a long time, but it doesn't ignore the human dynamics that form the basis of its plot. The Woman king is a unique story that is told in a grand, emotive, and nearly flawlessly performed manner as suspense rises throughout the film.
The all-female Agojie soldiers continue to battle on favour of king Ghezo (John Boyega) against the suzerain oyo Empire in the 1823 Dahomey, West African kingdom. The Agojie, under the command of General Nanisca (Viola Davis), battle the oyo, taking captives to be sold into the slave trade in exchange for weapons from the Europeans. The Agojie also include the stern but free-spirited Izogie (Lashana Lynch) and Amenza, Nanisca's second-in-command and confidant. The father of Nawi, a 19-year-old (Thuso Mbedu), who is upset that he cannot marry her off, offers her to king Ghezo in another scene. She is promptly taken under Izogie's wing and given the opportunity to train with and become a fighter for the Agojie, who assure her that they will always be there for her.
The Woman king has the appearance and feel of a film that is no longer produced. The Northman, released most recently, came the closest, but ultimately lacked the character growth necessary to carry off a movie of this scope. The Woman king is similar to Gladiator in that it strongly emphasises character-driven drama, but it also has the spectacle to make it a visually spectacular film. Terence Blanchard's hypnotic musical soundtrack, Polly Morgan's stunning cinematography, and Gersha Phillips' and Akin McKenzie's respective costumes and production design are all works of art. Even though the plot is occasionally predictable, everything comes together beautifully, and the movie gives its drama, action, and characters a lot of emotional weight.
The movie definitely cheers up the audience, and the major action moments blend incredibly well with the character and political drama. The relationship between Nawi and jordan Bolger's character, a Dahomey descendent who returns to find his roots, is the weakest since it isn't as well-developed as many of the other interactions in the movie. Despite a few minor issues, The Woman king is a heartfelt blockbuster with a well-written, concise tale that is definitely worth watching.
The all-female Agojie soldiers continue to battle on favour of king Ghezo (John Boyega) against the suzerain oyo Empire in the 1823 Dahomey, West African kingdom. The Agojie, under the command of General Nanisca (Viola Davis), battle the oyo, taking captives to be sold into the slave trade in exchange for weapons from the Europeans. The Agojie also include the stern but free-spirited Izogie (Lashana Lynch) and Amenza, Nanisca's second-in-command and confidant. The father of Nawi, a 19-year-old (Thuso Mbedu), who is upset that he cannot marry her off, offers her to king Ghezo in another scene. She is promptly taken under Izogie's wing and given the opportunity to train with and become a fighter for the Agojie, who assure her that they will always be there for her.
The Woman king has the appearance and feel of a film that is no longer produced. The Northman, released most recently, came the closest, but ultimately lacked the character growth necessary to carry off a movie of this scope. The Woman king is similar to Gladiator in that it strongly emphasises character-driven drama, but it also has the spectacle to make it a visually spectacular film. Terence Blanchard's hypnotic musical soundtrack, Polly Morgan's stunning cinematography, and Gersha Phillips' and Akin McKenzie's respective costumes and production design are all works of art. Even though the plot is occasionally predictable, everything comes together beautifully, and the movie gives its drama, action, and characters a lot of emotional weight.
The movie definitely cheers up the audience, and the major action moments blend incredibly well with the character and political drama. The relationship between Nawi and jordan Bolger's character, a Dahomey descendent who returns to find his roots, is the weakest since it isn't as well-developed as many of the other interactions in the movie. Despite a few minor issues, The Woman king is a heartfelt blockbuster with a well-written, concise tale that is definitely worth watching.
