#51: THE WOMAN KING

 

Starring Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim and John Boyega, John Boyega, Jimmy Odukoya). Directed by Gina Prince_Bythewood, written by Dana Stevens from a story by Maria Bello and Dana Stevens. Music by Terence Blanchard. Budget $50 million. Running time 135 minutes.

It's 1823 and people of the state of Dahomean, under the benevolent rule of their King Ghezo (John Boyega), are at war with the Oyo Empire and their warlord leader General Oba Ade (Jimmy Odukoya), with villages on both sides being raided and the prisoners raped by the other and sold into slavery to the white Europeans.

However this does not sit well with General Nanisca (Viola Davis) leader of the all-female group of warriors known as the Agojie who wants an end to the slavery.

The film follows the recruiting of a new warrior to the ranks of the Agojie in the guise of a fiesty, firey, speak her mind, orphan called Nawi (Thuso Mbedu) and most of the action revolves around her as she embarks on her training, falls in love with a half-Dahomean called Malik, and takes part in an extraordinary battle that sees her captured along with Lashana Lynch's Izogie and sold to the white slavers. Thus forcing Viola who shares a past with the girl, to defy her king and launch a dangerous attack against the European compound to free the last of the slaves.

This is a truly impressive film that avoids the usual Hollywood cliche and delivers a satisfying, violent and dramatic movie, Viola Davis delivers a career defining performance that roars with power, while Lashana Lynch is superb as fellow Izogie brings real heft to her role. The film cleverly avoids an excess of bloodshed and gore but does not skimp on the violence, and the choice of ignoring Hollywood's hateful practice of shaky cam for filming action in favour of well edited battles is a welcome relief.

Overall this is a gripping, intense and satisfyingly dramatic movie, featuring some wonderful cinematography and excellent performances. It's also a very female centric film from its production to its subject matter and is infinitely stronger because of it. 

Well worth two hours of your life. 9/10