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The Woman King
2022 135 min Canada, United States of America PG-13 18+
★7.2
Action, Drama, History, War
Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood
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Description
The 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, and General Nanisca as she trains the next generation of recruits and readies them for battle against an enemy determined to destroy their way of life.
Budget:
$50M
US Gross:
$67.33M
Worldwide:
$97.56M
Starring
Viola Davis
Actor
Thuso Mbedu
Actor
Lashana Lynch
Actor
Awards
Screen Actors Guild Awards 2023
— Best Stunt Ensemble
BAFTA 2023
— Best Director
BAFTA 2023
— Best Actress
Golden Globe 2023
— Best Actress (Drama)
Saturn Awards 2024
— Best Action/Adventure Film
Screen Actors Guild Awards 2023
— Best Actress
Saturn Awards 2024
— Best Actress
Key opinion
The Woman King is a visually ambitious epic anchored by a powerful, widely praised lead performance from Viola Davis. While critics and audiences largely admire its action choreography and cultural representation, the film is deeply divisive regarding its historical accuracy and the perceived intersection of its political themes with its narrative structure.
| Acting | Viola Davis delivers a compelling, brutal, and authoritative performance that anchors the film. | |
| Direction | The action sequences feature sophisticated, varied choreography that effectively blends diverse fighting styles. | |
| Production | The production design and costumes create an immersive and authentic-feeling representation of Dahomey culture. | |
| Pacing | The film suffers from a noticeable lag in the midsection, where character-focused exposition slows the narrative momentum. | |
| Theme | Opinions on historical accuracy are polarized: some viewers appreciate the focus on a culturally significant story, while others condemn the film for sanitizing the historical record of the Dahomey kingdom regarding the slave trade. | |
| Screenplay | The script is viewed inconsistently, with supporters finding emotional depth in the sisterly dynamics, while critics argue it relies on predictable tropes and forced subplots. |