"The Woman King" Movie Review

Ever since Gina Prince-Bythewood turned director, her commitment to love stories has always been her strength. In his films, the grandiose Twilight passion unfolds on a basketball court, between generations, on the ladder of show business, and among the immortals. They focus on Black women who have strength and interiority while finding strength in themselves and, often, in other Black women. With her Netflix-produced film, "The Old Guard," she took these themes forward in a big way. But nothing in his filmography can fully prepare him for the excitement of his latest work.

Stepping into "The Woman King," a big-hearted action epic whose biggest challenge is being heartfelt and historic while meeting its blockbuster demands, you might feel a little hesitant. Especially in a cinematic landscape that values broad statements about race over strong narratives. You may be wondering how Prince-Bythewood could shape a story centered around the Egozi warrior women – a group of female soldiers dedicated to honor and sisterhood – from the West African kingdom of Dahomey, to the perpetuation of the transatlantic slave trade In view of his role in , It's a daunting task by Prince-Bythewood and screenwriter Dana Stevens with a tender sensitivity and a strong desire to show black women the maps of their own destinies.

The film begins spectacularly: A group of men are resting in the center of a field near a bonfire. They hear a rustle in the tall grass; They see a flock of birds flying in the air. Suddenly, a menacing Viola Davis, playing the role of Naniska, an exhausted General Egozi, emerges from the grass armed with a machete. A whole platoon is visible behind him. The subsequent slaughter of the men (the women of the village being omitted), covered in unconscious blood, is part of this group of warriors' mission to free their imprisoned relatives. However, Naniska loses so many comrades in the process that she decides to train a new batch of recruits.

After a thrilling opening battle scene, the plot of "The Woman King" may seem complicated. But much of it defeats the goals of the film's success. A defiant teenager, Nawi (Thuso Mbedu), is given as a gift by her domineering father to the young King Ghezo (John Boyega), who is dismayed by his daughter's refusal to marry several suitors. However, Navi never surrenders to the king, as the determined but fun-loving warrior Izogi (a phenomenal Lashana Lynch) sees Navi's tenacity as a strength and enlists her in Naniska's training. Being part of the agony promises freedom for all involved, but not for the victors. The defeated are offered as tribute to the harsh Kingdom of Oyo, which then exchanges their African compatriots as slaves to Europeans in exchange for weapons. It is a cycle of oppression that Naniska, feeling guilty, wants Raja to break. Meanwhile, a dream haunts Naniska and the disobedient Nava, who struggles to keep up with some of the strict demands of the Agoji clan, especially the "no man" part. This may be the key that is troubling you.

Despite those awkward narratives — there's a half-twist that almost falls apart — the pure fun of "The Woman King" is in the bond these black women have with each other. They are the love story of the film, as they are as committed to each other as they are to their grueling workouts. Extensive compositions of black women feeding and caring for each other permeate "The Woman King," and the rituals and songs they share add further layers to their deep devotion.

Prince-Bythewood isn't afraid to resort to the emotional weight of an action movie. Each actor is assigned his or her own place in this deep set; They are systematically challenged but never artificially manipulated as a teaching tool for white audiences. Sheila Atim, who performed brilliantly alongside Mbedu in Barry Jenkins' "The Underground Railroad," is measured, conscientious and generous as Amenza, Naniska's trusted second-in-command. Boyega commands but seduces like a king who projects his confidence while learning what it means to lead (many of his lines are instantly quotable).

Negatives

"The Woman King", however, is quite confusing. Excessive use of VFX for landscapes, faux extras, and fire often flattened cinematographer Polly Morgan's creations; She gets more freedom to nail the hard-hitting but precise fight choreography. and the budding romance between Nava and Malik, a torn Lusso-Domaina (Jordan Bolger) fantasy returning to evoke its roots, though clear in its intent to test Nava's devotion to his sisters, There is humor in his unintentional clumsiness. The screenplay often tries to tie these characters together perfectly, especially Navi and Naniska.

Positives

But when "The Woman King" works, it's majestic. Gersha Phillips' ("Star Trek Discovery") tactile costumes and Akin MacKenzie's detailed production design ("Wild Life" and "When They See Us") are crisp and vibrant, especially in the Kingdom's vital rendition of Dahomey, that this filled Hua Hai with scenes of color and community. Terlynn A. Clever and clever editing by Shropshire allows this great epic to breathe. And the evocative soundtrack by Terence Blanchard and Lebo M. gives voice to Agozi's fighting spirit.

Although Davis is the clear star of the film, delivering a harrowing and mentally demanding performance that matches her inner self pound-for-pound, Mbedu also reinvents herself as a star. confirms. She tells the story of a woman who wants to be heard so badly that she never gives up on anyone. A glow follows Mbedu in every line read, and sadness follows him into devastation. There's a scene where she cries over the body of a fallen warrior and lets out a moan that travels from her toes to her spleen.

Sub Plots

"The Woman King" subplot may negate this for some. But the scale and awe that this film inspires are epics like "Gladiator" and "Braveheart." They are made to tug at your heart, to tug at your brain, to draw you into an uplifting glow, to put a lump in your throat. In the midst of the great and immense battles of "The Woman King" and the desire not to give in to outside white forces and to overthrow oppressive and racist systems, the guiding force is sisterly love, black love. Thrilling and breathtaking, emotionally beautiful and spiritually uplifting, "The Woman King" isn't just an uplifting rallying cry. This is the film that Prince-Bythewood has produced throughout his career. And he doesn't miss.