Film: The Woman King

One genre of film that I believe doesn’t get the respect it deserves is a historical drama. These films allow the audience to expand their knowledge regarding an event or a culture that we have not been privileged to understand before. A perfect example of this expansion is Gina Prince-Bythewood’s new film, The Woman King. The audience is presented with a tale of a native tribe and their assembly of warriors; some of the strongest and most resilient soldiers in all the land, who happen to be women. A story we have seen before in comic books but may not realize was a part of our rich world history.

The Woman King is based on events within the Kingdom of Dahomey in Africa in the 1800s. While the plot may take an idealistic look at their history, the Agojie, the all-female warriors, is entirely true. This film, written by Dana Stevens from a story by Maria Bello, follows the Agojie as they protect their kingdom and new king, King Ghezo (John Bodega), as they work to vanquish the beginnings of an invasion from a rival tribe as well as the threat to their future that is created by the slave trade.

The Woman King doesn’t waste any time getting the audience integrated into the world of the Agojie. In the opening minutes of the film, we witness their collaboration, strength, and fierceness as they go into battle. These elite fighters demand our attention, as they are seen as mythical fighting machines, stopping at nothing to defend their own. They have earned our respect, and it continues to grow when we are finally introduced to these women through the eyes of a new recruit, Nawi (Thuso Mbedu). As Nawi learns the veracity of the Agojie, looking beyond the myth that has spread around the kingdom, we are also welcomed into the lives of these warriors. It’s a beautiful way to introduce this story to the audience, and one that allows our admiration for this forgotten history to grow. I find the connection between the recruit and the established soldiers interesting because as Nawi becomes part of the family, we also see these women as sister figures we can learn from. There are still intertwining elements of lore, especially with the brilliant use of sun streaks blocking our view of these warriors in scenes, but that works well with the overall version of history we are viewing.

It doesn’t matter if the history portrayed in The Woman King is painted with a light and romantic brush, what is important is the representation it presents. The Agojie was a powerful force of soldiers, who happened to be women. These women were respected for their strength in themselves and dedication to their people. They earned their place as equals among the king’s guard and with the Dahomey people. It also highlights a narrative of a culture we know little about. The world is vast and complicated, we are at a disadvantage by not knowing the variety of stories history has to offer. The Woman King helps us become a little more worldly by presenting an inspirational historical aspect of an African kingdom. Hopefully, at the end of the screening, the audience begins to research and learn about the Agojie, as I did.

The inspiration that audiences will generate for the Agojie can only be solidified by the awe we find ourselves in as we watch these actresses on screen. Some actresses you know, like Davis, Lashana Lynch (Captain Marvel), and Sheila Atim (The Underground Railroad), and others you might not know like Masali Baduza, Chioma Antoninette Umeala, and Shaina West, but after this film, you will forever know the women of The Woman King. These actresses were fantastic, the strength and sisterhood they permeated the film with are exhilarating. All of these women felt like they were a family, that they had been to war together, and that they believed in the connection and differences they shared. These actresses were the Agojie, and the audience couldn’t peel their eyes away from the screen during The Woman King. I respect this film for the genre-blending that was created by this historical drama that encompassed fantastic action sequences. The Agojie actresses fully showcase their talent by exploring their physical strength. Yes, it is true they put in the work to fit the physical aspect of the roles, but you never felt like they were these massive beasts of a woman. Their definition of strength was not in the size of their muscles but in the size of the confidence within. 

I’m impressed with how the crop of action films/shows being produced lately. They have transcended genre films and have become wonderful movies with elements of action in them. I don’t even feel entirely comfortable referring to The Woman King as one of these modern action films because it’s so much more than that. The acting is fantastic, and if Ms. Davis doesn’t get nominated it’s a crime. But what stands out most from The Woman King is the Agojie, a story we should be learning in our history books. 

The Woman King opens nationwide this Friday, September 16th, exclusively in theaters.

Written by Lisa M Mejia
Images provided by Sony