Saturday, October 22, 2022

MOVIE REVIEW: THE WOMAN KING

 


DISCLAIMER: I am not a pro movie critic so this review is simply my opinions and thoughts on this Nigerian/African story that needed to be told. Being Nigerian myself, I did not know this story at all until I saw this movie and upon doing a little bit of research into its accuracy, it made its depiction that more special to see on the big screen. This would be the first movie I am watching back at the theater since the pandemic hit.

Set in the 1800s, the fierce female Agojie warriors of the Dahomey Kingdom of Benin protect their people from the oppression of the Oyo Empire and European slave traders that pose a different but significant kind of threat. Led by Viola Davis' character, General Nanisca trains the next generation of recruits to fight for their freedom, king and people.

THE CAST:

This movie boasts of a beautiful array of African and African American actors that will make every one of African heritage proud. Notable among them is John Boyega as King Ghezo, Lashana Lynch as Izogie, Sheila Atim as Amenza and the very talented Thuso Mbedu as Nawi. Also worthy of note is Jimmy Odukoya who plays General Oba Ade who if you didn't know, is the son of Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, General Overseer of The Fountain Of Life Church.


Every cast member even the lesser known actors all portrayed their individual roles perfectly. The women were as fierce as the men, perhaps even more so and not merely in physical strength but in emotional and mental prowess.

MY REVIEW:


Without giving too much away, from the story line and dialogue to the epic fight scenes, this movie an absolute must watch. The strength of the African people is beautifully captured in every scene from King Ghezu's strong rule in his ability to protect his people without fear to the dominant leadership of Nanisca, Izogie and Amenza of the Agojie warriors. Even the courage displayed by young Nawi is worthy of as much praise as well as the strength of her acting.

From start to finish, this movie is dripping with the strength, intelligence and pride of the African people. These stories need to be told and shown on an international platform more often to clean up the faulty image that Africans have been given by previous ignorant story tellers. The Woman King was given a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes which is a testament to just how brilliantly written and cast it is but I personally give it a 100% rating. Movies like this, Black Panther, Hidden Figures to name but a small few need to be showcased more to give black children a true depiction of their heritage, one they can be proud of whether realistic or aspirational.

If you are yet to watch the Woman King, I 1000% recommend that you do and more so if you are a black woman. The pride we all felt watching Black Panther is the same one you feel when you get through this movie. I promise!!

XOXO

Ibogirl



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