“The Woman King” is one of the few historical dramas where I didn’t really mind all the liberties taken with the source truth. Partially because I had literally no idea what it was based on until after social media went rabid, but mainly because it’s a damn good movie. Starring Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim, and John Boyega, “The Woman King” is lead by Viola Davis who, as General Nanisca, radiates strength and gravitas. As the leader of the Agojie, an all-woman unit of expert warriors, she conquers her own fear to become the woman her people desperately need. But, until very near the end of the film, she’s willfully ignorant towards adaptable warfare, something that Nawi (Mbedu), a new Agojie recruit, forces her to accept.
And, boy, when she comes to terms with a wider array of tactical combat, the Agojie become nearly unstoppable. In the penultimate battle against the Oyo, whose forces are larger and predominantly comprised of men, the Agojie expand their arsenal from just swords and spears to include anthills made out of gunpowder and well-hidden bombs. The Agojie level the playing field with a sweeping blaze and handily rout their enemies. Yes, the Agojie take losses, too, but nothing they don’t pay back tenfold in finale, which sees them consume an entire city of slavers in fire and fury. Again, it’s not even a little bit historically accurate … compels me, though. (Cameron Roy Hall)