Costume film by Gina Prince Bythwood a woman king It begins with an incredible action sequence in which General Naniska (Viola Davis) of Agojie’s army approaches a village of men who are holding their women hostage. These powerful warrior women strike, slash and throw men across the screen. After returning victorious to the kingdom of Dahomey, the story introduces Navi (Thuso Mbedu), a single young woman without a husband. He is taken to the palace and introduced to Izogie (Lashana Lynch) and Amenza (Shiela Atim), Dahomey’s best soldiers in King Gezo’s royal guard. Women in the military are respected and when they commit to serving they take the oath of celibacy and childlessness to be accepted and trained.
Life is booming for Dahomey, but something awaits. There are fears that war against the slave trading general (Jimmy Odukoya) of the Oyo Empire may be on the horizon. Meanwhile, the Portuguese colonizers showed up to buy more bodies to bring back to Europe. Now King Gezo is trapped between two powerful enemies and it is up to Agoji to keep the peace in the kingdom by any means necessary.
Prince-Bythewood is the only black director immersed in Hollywood action cinema. His directing style strikes the perfect balance between action and drama and he’s not afraid to show human cruelty in the entirety of him. He also catches the eye of strong-willed women in his films of him (The Old Guard, The Secret Life of Bees, Love and Basketball, Beyond the Light). In a woman kingAkin McKenzie’s set design and Gersha Phillips’ costumes are lush and opulent, infused with deep reds and yellows. We have put a lot of thought into making the Kingdom of Dahomey as authentic as possible.
Editing is awkward at times, with hard cuts that seem to interrupt scenes before they’re finished. The central part of the film will be dragged. The tone shifts from high-octane action to slow, meditative drama and holds that position for most of the film. Eventually it picks up the pace and doesn’t stop until the film ends.
It is rarely said, but all the actors and interpretations, from central stars to extras, are in top form. Being close to Viola Davis has to bring out the best in people. Lynch is stoic but comical, Tussaud is young and expressive, Atimi is an empathic healer, and Boyega plays the serious leader. a woman king It’s a film about women, about black women. Women who are not victims of circumstances but warriors against oppression.
Source: Deadline
Bernice Bonaparte is an author and entertainment journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a passion for pop culture and a talent for staying up-to-date on the latest entertainment news, Bernice has become a trusted source for information on the entertainment industry.
