GENRE: Action, Drama, History, African War
The Woman King is a Hollywood action film that is centered on black African female warriors from the 19th century.
Viola Davis and Thuso Mbedu lead the cast of talented actors, telling the story of the Kingdom of Dahomey, which is located in what is now known as Benin, one of the most powerful states in Africa.
Set in 1823 in the West African kingdom of Dahomey, the story follows General Nanisca, brilliantly played by Davis, as the leader of the all-female group of warriors, the Agojie.
Their mission is to liberate Dahomean women abducted by slavers from the Oyo Empire.
Davis and Mbedu’s acting skills shine through as they portray Nanisca and Nawi, two characters who differ in age, experience, and wisdom, but show similarities in their fighting spirit, determination, confidence, and power.
There’s no denying the raw talent that Mbedu possesses and it’s easy to see why Hollywood has taken a liking to her.
The action choreography is brilliant, especially when watching a woman go head-to-head with a man, not only matching his strength and speed but proving herself to be the better fighter.
Stunning landscape shots also portray the beauty of the African continent.
The film does carry a PG-13 violence rating because of the many fighting scenes.
It is well worth watching, especially on the big screen, with the surround sound in the more tense moments adding to the drama.
The “Hollywood film”, which was also partially shot on location in SA, features many familiar faces including comedian Siv Ngesi, former Miss SA Zozi Tunzi, who hails from Tsolo in the Eastern Cape, and local actors Chumani Pan, Makgotso M, and Seputla Sebogodi.
There has, however, been widespread criticism of the American and British actors’ accents, as well as some of the historical inaccuracies in the film.
It would be safe to remember that the aim of this film is to entertain viewers with a story based on real events, rather than simply educating them about the Atlantic slave trade.
The film sparks enough interest in the story of the Adojie and the Dahomey tribe to provoke viewers into launching their own research on the true history of the film.
— The Woman King is now showing at Movies@Hemingways
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