The Agojie fight with spears, knives, and other handheld weapons, all of which call for close combat. The only element that feels more haphazard is the cinematography in certain action sequences. It is a credit to Prince-Bythewood’s skill as a storyteller that all of these sociological elements flow naturally from the characters. Nanisca lives with a history of assault, Nawi escapes a dangerous domestic environment, and a half-Dahomey half-Portuguese character named Malik struggles with a multiracial identity, at the center of which is the slave trade. But rather than feeling didactic or stale, each issue is dealt with via an emotional connection, a conduit through which all of us understand these topics. The movie doesn’t shy away from discussions of misogyny, sexual assault, and imperialism. By the end you’ll feel like you’ve known them for years. The film also features John Boyega as King Ghezo, doing some of his best work since Steve McQueen’s film series, “Small Axe.” It’s easy to fall in love with these characters. Rounding out the cast are Lashana Lynch as the experienced Agojie, Igozie, whose raw charisma is infectious, Sheila Atim as Nanisca’s right-hand woman, Amenza, bringing warmth and stability to the warriors. It can be a challenge to play the role of the straight-down-the-middle hero, but Mbedu succeeds with charm and ferocity. Her interpretation of Nawi makes her feel both extraordinarily strong-willed and understandably flawed. Thuso Mbedu, best known for leading Barry Jenkins’ limited series, “The Underground Railroad,” is no less engaging. As she keeps an eye on the sometimes headstrong Nawi, she is forced to reflect on her own troubled relationship with the slave-trading Oyo empire. Her quiet intensity off the battlefield colors her past with pain and wisdom. To absolutely no one’s surprise, Viola Davis is fantastic as General Nanisca. The movie’s greatest asset is its star studded and equally talented cast. But in Prince-Bythewood’s hands, it feels fresh and totally engrossing. Nawi’s journey from novice to Agojie warrior has all the trappings of a classic hero’s journey. From “Spartacus” to “The Last of the Mohicans,” we’ve seen plenty of unlikely heroes rise to the occasion. Historical (or in this case, slightly historical) movies are no stranger to legendary warriors. There she meets the uncompromising General Nanisca, played by Viola Davis, who pushes Nawi and the other recruits to become strong enough to take down the enemy Oyo empire. After refusing to take a much older, abusive husband, a young girl named Nawi played by Thuso Mbedu is casted out by her family, and taken in by the Agojie to be trained and put to the test. “The Woman King,” directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, is set in the West African kingdom of Dahomey in the early 19th century, home to the fearsome all-woman army, the Agojie.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |