The Basics
Where To Watch: In Theaters
Starring: John Boyega, Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu
Synopsis: The Woman King is the remarkable story of the Agojie, the all-female unit of warriors who protected the African Kingdom of Dahomey in the 1800s with skills and a fierceness unlike anything the world has ever seen. Inspired by true events, The Woman King follows the emotionally epic journey of General Nanisca (Oscar®-winner Viola Davis) as she trains the next generation of recruits and readies them for battle against an enemy determined to destroy their way of life. Some things are worth fighting for.
Trailer
Critics’ Chatter
“The Woman King is a more human type of blockbuster than most of what turns up on screen in the summer months. It’s burdened with many of the issues that typify big studio movies — overstretched CGI, an overstuffed plot — but it shrugs off those issues as easily as the Agojie flip enemy soldiers over their backs and into the dirt. This film has a fire in its belly. But more importantly, it also has a heart full of love: love of life, love of freedom, love of Black people and culture, and love for its ferocious, complicated, brave women.”
Katie Rife, Polygon | Read More Here
“As in so many of its predecessors, the ritualized combat and metronomic violence of The Woman King begin to feel repetitive, and a few of the fight sequences look more choreographed than spontaneous, but Prince-Bythewood largely overcomes these pitfalls by way of an exceedingly handsome production, one whose burnished palette and rich design are echoed by Terence Blanchard’s lovely musical score. With its action, adventure, mythic conflict and semi-fantastical storytelling, The Woman King proves to be an opulent addition to a form of filmmaking that has long been searching for a refresh.”
Ann Hornaday, The Washington Post | Read More Here
Timeline Talk
The Woman King is magnificent. I absolutely loved it. And then during the talkback, Viola Davis shared that she read Hunger as part of her preparation for the role and I died.
— roxane gay (@rgay) September 14, 2022
I just did something I almost NEVER do.
By sheer coincidence, I happened to spot (a radiant, gorgeous) Viola Davis in the lobby of the Intercontinental and darted across to tell her thank you, barely able to contain my tears.
THE WOMAN KING.
It's THAT good. pic.twitter.com/czaq8g1Np4
— A Shady Dame From Seville (@SorayaMcDonald) September 10, 2022
