ReelBob: ‘The Woman King’ ★★★½
By Bob Bloom
An underlying current of ferocity permeates many of Viola Davis’ performances.
In such films as “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” “Widows,” “Fences,” her “Suicide Squad” ventures and even “The Help,” Davis plays women who know their own minds and are not bashful about speaking out.
Nowhere has those characteristics been more potent or deadly than in her newest film, “The Woman King,” in which she displays an aggressiveness and strength that skyrockets to a ferocious level.
The historical drama, set in the early 19th century in the African Kingdom of Dahomey (now Benin), casts Davis as General Nanisca, leader of the Agojie, an all-female unit of warriors who protect the kingdom, using skills and techniques unlike anything the world had ever seen.
The task of Nanisca and her soldiers is to guard Dahomey against rival tribes as well as slave traders who prey on African people to keep Europe and the Americas stocked with human chattel.
As Nanisca, Davis would give Keanu Reeves’ John Wick pause. She is a battle-scarred, muscular, no-nonsense leader who does not mollycoddle her troops nor fear speaking truth to power — in the person of her sovereign, King Ghezo (John Boyega).
Many people may not be aware, but the Agojie were actual warriors — and served as the inspiration of the Dora Milaje of “Black Panther.”
The Agojie are trained to fight with ropes, machetes, knives, muskets, their fists and fingernails. Their training is rigorous, and unity and cooperation is emphasized.
The movie’s underlying context is the relationship between Nanisca and Nawi (Thuso Mbedu), a new recruit who is as strong-willed as her general.
At first, Nawi stumbles. But she is helped by one of Nanisca’s lieutenants, Izogie (a dynamic Lashana Lynch), who helps Nawi understand and reach her warrior potential.
Under the sturdy direction of Gina Prince-Bythewood — and a strong script by Dana Stevens — the setting is not idealized. Women are treated cruelly, and rape is widespread. Nawi joins the Agojie because her father kicked her out of the house because she refused to marry an older man who was abusive to her.
Nanisca is preparing the Agojie for a war with the Oyo empire, even though her king is reluctant to take that step — his caution is from the influence of the favorite of his many wives.
The Oyo have muskets and horses. They are aided by slavers and colonizers who, as Ghezo reflects, see his subjects and kingdom as commodities.
“The Woman King” has a few mainstream Hollywood missteps — a slow-reveal relationship that is telegraphed early, a love interest and a revenge subplot.
But even though the movie offers few surprises, the brutal and exciting battle sequences rivet you.
Towering over it all though, is Davis. Her performance dwarfs mostly all the others, with Mbedu and Lynch, a few paces behind.
“The Woman King” is a rousing feature, an old-fashioned, big-screen epic. And it’s not simply about female empowerment; it deals with loyalty, freedom, love of country and love for family.
I am a founding member of the Indiana Film Journalists Association. I review movies, 4K UHD, Blu-rays and DVDs for ReelBob (ReelBob.com), The Film Yap and other print and online publications. I can be reached by email at bobbloomjc@gmail.com. You also can follow me on Twitter @ReelBobBloom and on Facebook at ReelBob.com or the Indiana Film Journalists Association. My movie reviews also can be found at Rotten Tomatoes: www.rottentomatoes.com.
THE WOMAN KING
3½ stars out of 4
(PG-13), strong and bloody violence, rape, partial nudity, language, disturbing images