Review: ‘The Woman King’ offers fierce, uplifting portrayal of history

For a film that explores one of the other sides of the slave trade and the misogyny that was likely a hallmark of 19^th century Africa, “The Woman King” proves to be anger-inducing and surprisingly uplifting.

Dealing with those two emotions in a film with such hefty subject matter might seem contradictory, but actually, in “The Woman King,” they belong together.

The film tells the story of the Agojie, a group of all-female warriors who protect the kingdom of Dahomey at a time when the slave trade was still very much active. Africans, captured during war, are sold to European slavers by other Africans. And that includes King Ghezo (John Boyega) of Dahomey (now Benin), someone who has become rich because of the slave trade, but is intellectually and emotionally conflicted by the entire business.

He's not, however, as open with his thoughts on the issue as Nanisca (Viola Davis), the leader of the Agojie, who has to deal with the fact that the people that she captures, though technically enemies because of tribal affiliation, are her brothers and sisters. Given the time and situation, the attitude is remarkably progressive.

‘The Woman King’ explores tragic history

Nanisca has duties with which to contend, however. The primary one: overseeing the training of new warriors. Among them is Nawi (Thuso Mbedu), an arrogant, intelligent and fierce young woman who certainly is an individual out of time but fits in perfectly with the Agojie. However, her arrogance and generally headstrong nature make it a challenge to bring her along.

Those disparate elements converge as fate forces King Ghezo to deal with threats from other kingdoms. Nanisca knows that with such conflicts there will likely come battles, captives and more people sold into slavery.

She’s fortunate that she has the ear of the king. He welcomes her counsel and she gives him other possibilities to replace potentially lost revenue. He, however, is being pulled in several directions by the wife who loves creature comforts in life to the slavers he’s conducted business through the years.

Of course, all of this eventually comes to a head and director Gina Prince-Blythewood, working from a script from Maria Bello and Dana Stevens, has to bring it all together along with a couple of twists and succeeds.

The story of the Agojie, who served as the inspiration for the Dora Milaje in “Black Panther” lore, proves compelling, but when taken in context with the other story elements, it becomes increasingly so. Good films elicit emotion. It’s difficult to watch and listen to the plain way the slave trade is spoken, individuals dehumanized without experiencing some modicum of anger, hurt and dismay.

Yet, in looking at it from a perspective that shows there was resistance provides, however minor, a sense of comfort and when an eventual fight comes, checking that emotion is difficult.

Viola Davis perfectly cast

Now consider such intense subject matter with a cast led by Davis. Her Nanisca, as is to be expected, is strong and intelligent, but despite the fact that she is a warrior, she possesses a strict moral code and strong sense of what’s right. Yet, Davis imbues the character with a sense of vulnerability and compassion equal to those qualities.

Nanisca is fierce without giving up her humanity or femininity. Yes, it’s a performance worthy of an Oscar nomination and it’s become increasingly clear that Davis, career wise, is putting together a resume that puts her in very rare company with the likes of Denzel Washington and Meryl Streep. She’s incapable of a bad performance.

What’s gratifying is that the supporting cast, especially Mbedu as Nawi and Lashana Lynch as Izogie, match her note for note.

Tying this all together: Prince-Blythewood (“Love & Basketball”) who directs with confidence, never letting the tone become too dark or light.

“The Woman King” isn’t breezy viewing, but it’s relevant and fresh while telling a story audiences rarely ever see. In an era where history is being buried in some quarters by some people, it is sorely needed.

George M. Thomas dabbles in movies and television for the Beacon Journal. Reach him at gthomas@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @ByGeorgeThomas

Review

Movie: “The Woman King”

Cast: Viola Davis, John Boyega, Lashana Lynch, Thuso Mbedu

Directed by: Gina Prince-Blythewood

Running time: 2 hours 14 minutes

Rated: PG-13 for sequences of strong violence, some disturbing material, thematic content, brief language and partial nudity.

Grade: B+

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Review: Viola Davis cements legacy in fierce ‘Woman King’