Review: 'The Woman King' is a rousing action-packed saga led by a breathtaking Viola Davis

The Woman King

What makes a culturally-rooted story appealing? A larger-than-life presentation of the story, characters and the conflicts attached to it. The Woman King (still cannot fathom that it was snubbed by the Oscars) presents a deep portrait of a group of fierce women warriors who kicked asses, fought for freedom and were loyal to their clan. Having had the chance to see the film before its release in India tomorrow, here is what I thought about it-

A Story That Makes You Feel Right in the Gut

It is always a brave yet fascinating choice taken by storytellers when they decide to dive deep into a culture that is unexplored. The obvious criticism from historians and scholars aside, The Woman King presents a brutally honest yet fiercely original portrayal of the Agojie, a clan of kick-ass female warriors who are the protectors of the West African kingdom of Dahomey set in the 1800s. The kingdom ruled what is today Benin between 1600 and the early 1900s when the country was colonised by the French. 

Right from the first piece till the final sequence, The Woman King is so aggressive in its treatment that it makes you feel right in the gut. Be it the dichotomy of how outside the palace, women are still sold off to old men in the name of marriage while a growing group of recruits train in the Agojie faction; the film doesn't hold back in any way. And this makes you feel for each and everyone of them thus keeping you invested.

A Brilliant Central Character and a Better Supporting Character

Any story that is so authentic needs a towering star to make it palatable for the viewers. And that is where the genius Viola Davis comes in. A star in her real life personna, she is also the leader of the group and as Nanisca, she exhibits her absolute best. Right from excelling in her emotionally heavy scenes to doing some killer action, Davis is the central focus you definitely need to lean on to for the understanding of this story. However, what had me blown away more than Davis was Lashana Lynch as Izogie. 

Her loyalty, fierceness and casually pleasing presence is the glue that holds the entire film together. Add the likes of John Boyega as King Ghezo and Thuso Mbedu as new recruit, Nawi, and that gives you a stellar cast giving some of their finest performances. Even when the screenplay catapults from one set piece to another and feels a tad distorted, the actors make sure to get that slipping grip back with their chops.

Scintillating Action & Brilliant Music

One of the most inane pieces of criticism that I have come across over the years for multiple female-led action films is how they find it 'unbelievable' when a seemingly petite woman is kicking and punching a buffy guy. While it isn't needed, but just in case, The Woman King is an answer to that criticism in the best possible manner. Right from one swashbuckling and exhilarating action piece to another, not only do you believe each and every woman 'man-handling' all the so-called buffed and tough men but do so with finesse and style. 

I give full credit to the actors and the stunt women involved in doing all these pieces where the choreography of every piece keeps getting better and better. One battle sequence around three-quarters into the film is expertly done and keeps your adrenaline rushing throughout.

Terence Blanchard's music adds to the entire experience in every scene. The rousing background score with drums and percussions elevated with fabulous sound design of every punch, every slice of the knife and every gunshot is brilliant.

The Runtime and Blank Spaces

As The Woman King depicts a fervently original and cultural story, it struggles with the anticipated concerns. The runtime, while not too long but feels rather long and dragged at 2 hours and 17 minutes. And owing to this, the emotional scenes and a few action set pieces aside, it suffers from a lot of blank spaces that might lose your interest. This happens especially around half way into the film but to the relief, just about an uninteresting space of about 10 minutes, the aforementioned battle takes place.

The Verdict

Gruesome, violent, brutal coupled with rousing action, breathtaking female actors and a heartfelt story at its core, The Woman King definitely has more factors going for it than not.

Rating - ***1/2 (3.5/5)