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Movie title: The Woman King
Release Date: 16 September 2022
Running time: 2 hours 14 minutes.
Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood
Cast: Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim, John Boyega, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Adrienne Warren, Jayme Lawson, Masali Baduza, Angélique Kidjo, Jimmy Odukoya, Thando Dlomo, Jordan Bolger, Zozibini Tunzi, Makgotso M, Siv Ngesi
PLOT OF THE MOVIE.
‘The Woman King’ is set in the 1820s in the West African kingdom of Dahomey, now known as the Republic of Benin.
It tells the story of the Agojie, an all-female warrior group who defends the kingdom. They are fierce, sworn to celibacy, and no man is permitted on their training grounds.
When the Agojie liberates prisoners from the Oyo army, the scene sets the tone for what follows.
During that time, Dahomey’s ninth ruler, the new King Ghezo, attempts to see things from a different perspective.
His kingdom has a tributary agreement with the powerful Oyo Empire. The contract includes the use of the Ouidah Port as a slave route.
“The slave trade is the reason we prosper,” the king says, “but at what cost?”
The kingdom is torn between paying the tribute, which is accompanied by a heavy trade tax, and refusing to pay, which is a declaration of war.
General Nanisca, the leader of the Agojie, is tasked with training a new generation of warriors to fight against an enemy in order to raise an army strong enough to dare the Oyo army.
Nawi, a 19-year-old girl, refuses to conform to culture by marrying as a child. As a result, her father hands her over to the Agojie. She is taken to the palace of women, where men are not permitted.
Her presence in the army alters the course of events in the upcoming war.
REVIEW
Few historical films portray the exploits of the black race in a positive light during the pre- and colonial eras.
This idea is mirrored in ‘The Woman King.’ The film is a rare opportunity to shed light on Africans’ collaboration in one of humanity’s darkest tragedies: the slave trade.
King Ghezo sought to abolish slavery in favor of the palm oil trade. Members of his court explicitly told him, “no one fears a peasant ruler.”
It also subtly emphasizes the existing civilisation at the time. The fact that Europeans, Portuguese, and other slave traders encountered well-planned cities, the current system of governance, and, of course, an almost impregnable army when they arrived on African shores is rarely discussed.
“I wish for my people to prosper as those of your land do,” King Ghezo tells the Portuguese who have come to do business. We are well aware that you regard us as a commodity.”
Another plus for the film is the use of a genuine Nigerian, or African, accent.
CASTING
The casting of Viola Davis as General Nanisca may lead viewers to believe she is of African descent. It’s not surprising, given her status as a Hollywood veteran.
Other cast members, such as Thuso Mbedu (South Africa) and Sheila Atim (Uganda), provided a balance that is often lacking in similar films.
For the Nigerian audience, however, John Boyega and Jimmy Odukoya were the cherry on top.
Odukoya plays Oba, the leader of the Oyo army, while Boyega plays the king.
Both roles were crucial to the film’s direction, and their performances sold the film’s various themes.
One example would be the heated debate both characters had in the marketplace about their loyalty to the Oyo empire.
BACKGROUND
The Dahomey Amazons, an all-female military regiment of the Kingdom of Dahomey, are the inspiration for ‘The Woman King.’
They were of the Fon ethnic group and lived from the 1600s to 1904.
Dahomey, in West Africa, was a thriving kingdom during the 17th century.
Dahomey was a significant regional power with a well-organized domestic economy based on conquest and slave labor.
The kingdom lost its tributary status to the Oyo Empire in the nineteenth century.
After more than a half-century of French rule, it gained independence in 1960.
It was renamed the People’s Republic of Benin in 1975, and the Republic of Benin in 1990.
In conclusion, I give this movie; The Woman Kinga 9/10. Its even more interesting than black panther and every single person that worked on this movie definitely put in more than their best.
If you haven’t already seen the movie, please hurry to a cinema near you and see it. I recommend that everyone sees this movie sincerely. Use the opportunity to bond with family and friends over popcorn and a drink.
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