The Woman King: Oscar winning-actor Viola Davis' spectacular action, and epic storyline of female warriors

Although based on historical facts, The Woman King certainly isn't bound by them, utilizing the underlying tale of the female warriors of 19th-century in an African kingdom as the springboard for a rollicking action vehicle laced with melodrama results in a superb presentation for the actors, with a cast and scenery that refresh its old-school formula.

As regal as ever, Viola Davis plays General Nanisca, the head of the Agojie, often known as the Dahomey Amazons, a force of women who forego marriage and childbirth to study martial arts and protect the country. It's a progressive trait in a culture where the monarch (John Boyega) still has a large harem.

Now, a headstrong and independent-minded young woman who refuses to marry for money, eventually prompting her frustrated father to drop her off at the palace, is the point of entry into this warrior culture. She is taken under Izogie's wing and prepared for the harsh program that would finally admit her into this corps of elite warriors.



The boot camp that ensues – which will undoubtedly serve as inspiration for modern-day training regimes – begins in tandem with preparations for a prospective battle against a neighboring kingdom, the Oyo Empire, which had extorted tribute from Dahomey for years. Meanwhile, Nanisca (Viola Davis) encourages the monarch to abandon his participation in the slave trade, claiming that selling captured opponents to Europeans has formed a "black circle" as they progressively invade their territory. The broad outlines of the narrative, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, are just a lot to swallow, especially with the multiple subplots and Nanisca's past story thrown into the mix. The script was written by Dana Stevens, who also co-wrote the plot with actress Maria Bello.

Shot in South Africa, the film bridges part of the informational gap by beginning with a vicious combat scenario that demonstrates how ruthless Nanisca (Viola Davis) and her faithful warriors can be. It's the first of multiple such meetings, and while the sequences are meticulously filmed to minimize gore, the amount of brutality and style of combat is such that the PG-13 rating appears questionably liberal.

Nanisca is concerned that her men "do not realise evil is approaching," a foreshadowing of the upcoming conflict with the Oyo. But, given the time and location, The Woman King may succeed the most in capturing this interesting subculture, acting as a celebration of African customs while adopting a modern tone and still satisfying the escapist desires of a Friday-night audience.

FAQ

Q. When will the movie release?
A. The Woman King will be released in theaters in the United States on September 16. It's rated PG-13.