*This is a true story

IMDB Synopsis

In the 1800s, a group of all-female warriors protects the African kingdom of Dahomey with skills and fierceness unlike anything the world has ever seen. Faced with a new threat, Gen. Nanisca trains the next generation of recruits to fight against a foreign enemy that’s determined to destroy their way of life.

“Your tears mean nothing. To be a warrior, you must kill your tears.”

As we have learned for a long time, history is told by either the people who win the wars, or where you grow up. Growing up I learned about a lot, but for some reason I never learned about this bad ass female army called the Agojie. They were the warriors of Dahomey, which is now Benin and learning their story was the main reason why THE WOMAN KING is one of the surprises of the year for me.

Directed by veteran Gina Prince-Bythewood (SECRET LIFE OF BEES, THE OLD GUARD), this story gives us Viola Davis in all her glory as General Nanisca. She is the leader of the Agojie who guard King Ghezo (John Boyega). Throughout the story she becomes more and more irritated with the Dahomey involvement in the African Slave Trade, and finally with help from the rest of the warriors decide to do something about it. We are also introduced to Nawi (Thuso Mbedu), Izogie (Lashana Lynch), and Amenza (Sheila Atim), and many others who give us this incredible insight into this world I really had no idea about.

On the technical side we have Polly Morgan, who I have not seen a ton from, except A QUIET PLACE PART II. However, that incredible opening scene is one of the best scenes I have seen in years, and she brings that energy right into this movie. From the opening battle, to the incredible shots of African vistas, and the way they capture the warriors is just spectacular. We also get the great Terence Blanchard doing the score, and of course he mixes heart pounding sounds with African chants to perfection. This movie definitely looks and sounds great and that helps keep you entertained throughout.

Stock Watch

Stock Neutral – Viola Davis

One of our great actresses and I literally have a Juicy award named after her. She plays this role differently than any role I have seen her in and I loved it. Who knew she could be a ripped action star? I am such a fan of hers and of course how can this be a Viola Davis movie without it ending with her in tears. Spoiler she may be in the running for her own award this year.

Stock Up – Lashana Lynch

Wow is this woman a star. She showed in CAPTAIN MARVEL, she upped her game in NO TIME TO DIE, and now she is bringing 100mph heat in this movie. The woman just has a presence that is hard to describe other than swaggering her way through the star. You cannot take her eyes off her even if you know kinda where her story is going. I am looking forward to whatever she is doing moving forward.

*A couple other tidbits

– Needed a lot more from John Boyega.
– I loved the choreography of the rituals and the dancing scenes.

I was so happy to be surprised with this movie. I really did not have much of an idea of what I was getting into and was thoroughly entertained, and felt like I learned something new. Seems like a win, win to me.

Juice Rating:

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