The Woman King

 The Woman King seems like a familiar story with historical women. That doesn't change the fact that it's a compelling action film about historical women. Let me explain why.

The aforementioned women are the Agojie, the all-female fighting force of the Dahomey Kingdom in present-day Benin. Their enemies are the Oyo Empire, who collaborate in the slave trade with the Europeans. As the film opens, General Nanisca (Viola Davis) leads her fellow Dahomey Amazons (as they're also called) to liberate Dahomey captives from Oyo slavers. The Dahomey and the Oyo look ready for war, so Nanisca has to train some new Agojie. 

Our heroine is Nawi (Thuso Mbedu), a girl dumped at the palace by her father after she rejected far too many suitors (none of whom were nice). She is recruited into the Agojie by Nanisca's right-hand warrior, Izogie (Lashana Lynch). Her rebellious spirit infuriates the disciplined Nanisca. Nanisca, meanwhile, looks to persuade King Ghezo (John Boyega) to end the Dahomey's own slave trade. They'll have to hurry as Oyo's General Oba (Jimmy Odukoya) draws ever closer.

Gina Pryce-Bythewood (The Old Guard, The Secret Life of Bees) realizes a screenstory by Dana Stevens and Maria Bello. It has a romantic subplot between Nawi and Malik (Jordan Bolger), a Dahomean-Portugese man who can't abide with the slave trade like his friend, Santo (Hero Fiennes Tiffin), does. It's an ok subplot as Malik is a fairly likable man. There's a twist concerning Nawi and Nanisca that you'll realize well before they do. The denouement is quite familiar to anyone who's seen Mulan. It's got quite a few surprises waiting for you (including the Agojie's answer to the Oyo's demands). 

It helps that it has a strong ensemble. The Agojie are believable sisters-in-arms on and off the battlefield. We feel it right away as they mourn a fallen comrade from the opening battle. Izogie even greets a young onlooker as they return home. They further bond in sisterhood during the arduous training. The film efficiently gets Nawi into their sisterhood once it shows her established life. Her innovative thinking helps rout the Oyo. Nanisca's methods are harsh, but what she's experienced is worst. It's perhaps exemplified once they realize the aforementioned twist. It's devastatingly awkward. Let's say it involves General Oba, who is a perfectly detestable villain.

The Agojie themselves are sure to make one think of the Dora Milaje. They were indeed models for the Black Panther's bodyguards and costume designer Gersha Phillips dresses them in equally elaborate attire. Production Designer Akin McKenzie visualizes Dahomey as alluring a kingdom as Wakanda. The fight scenes are as brutal as a PG-13 rating allows, which is enough. Polly Morgan's nighttime cinematography is astonishing, as well as its sound editing (see/hear Nawi's dagger-whip). Terrence Blanchard and Lebo M complement the Agojie's sisterhood with their amazing score.

You'll feel the Agojie's triumphs and sorrows throughout the film's 135 minutes. It's somewhat overlong, but you'll be rewarded with some impressive battles. Just don't rely on it for your next history test. The Woman King has arrived and it's sure to enliven a dull movie month. What else is there? There's an Avatar re-release, and the subject of my next review. It's coming soon.