The Woman King Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Viola Davis and her girl gang protect their king while training a new generation of warriors, except some of them have daddy issues and also, slavery is bad…or is it?

🍿 The Woman King: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Kingdom of Dahomey and the Agojie

The film introduces the Kingdom of Dahomey in 1823, a powerful West African state. At its heart is the Agojie, an all-female military regiment fiercely loyal to their king. General Nanisca leads these warriors, training them with unmatched discipline and skill. Their primary duty is to protect Dahomey from rival tribes and external threats.

New Recruits and Looming Threats

A new generation of recruits joins the Agojie, including the headstrong Nawi, who challenges traditional norms. Meanwhile, King Ghezo faces pressure to continue the slave trade with European powers. This creates internal conflict as Nanisca advocates for alternative trade and the end of Dahomey’s involvement in slavery. The rising tensions threaten the kingdom’s stability.

Training, Discovery, and Revelation

The recruits endure rigorous training under Nanisca and the veteran Agojie. Nawi forms a bond with Izogie, another warrior, and reveals a hidden scar. This scar is a pivotal clue to Nanisca, unlocking a long-held secret. It connects Nanisca and Nawi in a way neither of them initially understood.

Alliance and War

Portuguese slave traders, allied with the Oyo Empire, pose a significant threat. Nawi’s connection to Malik, a man of mixed Dahomean and Portuguese heritage, provides vital intelligence about the impending Oyo attack. Nanisca and Nawi confront their past traumas, revealing shared experiences of violence and loss. This confrontation strengthens their bond and prepares them for the coming war.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Nanisca (Viola Davis): The fierce and skilled general of the Agojie, haunted by her past, who trains a new generation of warriors while fighting to end the slave trade.
• Nawi (Thuso Mbedu): A strong-willed and rebellious recruit who joins the Agojie and discovers her hidden connection to Nanisca.
• Izogie (Lashana Lynch): A veteran Agojie warrior who mentors Nawi and provides both humor and wisdom to the regiment.
• King Ghezo (John Boyega): The young king of Dahomey who is torn between the profitable slave trade and Nanisca’s vision for a different future.
• Oba Ade (Jimmy Odukoya): The ruthless general of the Oyo Empire and the primary antagonist, leading the war against Dahomey and supporting the slave trade.
• Malik (Jordan Bolger): A half-Dahomean Portuguese man torn between his loyalty to the slave trade and his growing affection for Nawi.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Nanisca: “We are the spear of victory, we are the blade of freedom, we are Dahomey!” – This powerful declaration embodies the Agojie’s strength and commitment to their kingdom.
• Nanisca: “Some things are worth fighting for.” – Nanisca’s core belief, repeated throughout the film, underscoring the sacrifices made for freedom and a better future.
• Izogie: “We all have a lot to cry about; it is better to laugh.” – Izogie’s poignant line, reminding them to stay strong and find humor amidst their struggles.
• Nanisca: “I will not yield.” – Nanisca’s defiant declaration of resistance when faced with overwhelming opposition.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $50,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $67,328,130
• Worldwide Gross: $97,562,514

💥 The Woman King Reviews

Personal Review

I walked out of ‘The Woman King’ feeling empowered and deeply moved. Viola Davis just commands the screen! The training montages were awesome, and I was on the edge of my seat during the battle scenes. The relationship between Nanisca and Nawi got me in my feels and even though some history was tweaked, the core message about strength and fighting for what’s right resonated with me. I definitely recommend it.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of historical dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in African history and culture”
  • “Those who enjoy action-packed films with strong female leads”
  • “People looking for inspiring stories of courage and resilience”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Intense battle sequences and violence”
  • “Themes of slavery and historical trauma”
  • “Some mature language and suggestive scenes”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “While boasting powerful performances, particularly from Viola Davis, ‘The Woman King’ struggles with a script that sanitizes historical complexities, resulting in a visually impressive but emotionally uneven experience. The action sequences are engaging, yet the narrative lacks depth.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Gina Prince-Bythewood delivers a rousing historical epic that’s both visually stunning and emotionally resonant. Viola Davis is captivating as General Nanisca, leading a talented cast in a story of female empowerment and resistance against oppression. The movie celebrates culture.
• KidsFirst!: “The Woman King is a scintillating portrayal of powerful women protectors driving change in one of world history’s most pivotal and often heart-rending times: the era of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. Yet even through the beautifully-filmed and well-choreographed battle scenes, moments of love triumph and make this film worth watching.

Audience Reactions

Viola Davis’s performance and the powerful depiction of female warriors resonated deeply with viewers.: The action sequences, cultural representation, and themes of empowerment received widespread praise.

Viewers praised the cultural richness and immersive experience of the African Kingdom of Dahomey.: Many were captivated by the portrayal of the Agojie warriors and their fierce dedication to protecting their kingdom.

Overall Consensus: ‘The Woman King’ is generally well-received for its powerful performances, action sequences, and themes of female empowerment, though some critique its historical inaccuracies.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Viola Davis trained extensively for her role, learning sword fighting, spear work, and hand-to-hand combat to portray Nanisca convincingly.”
• “The filmmakers consulted with historians and cultural experts to ensure the depiction of Dahomey culture, costumes, and fighting styles was as accurate as possible, although some historical liberties were taken for dramatic purposes.”
• “The film’s success was seen as a significant win for representation in Hollywood, showcasing a predominantly Black female cast in a historical epic.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Woman King?

The Woman King is available for streaming on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. You can rent or purchase the movie on these platforms. Check local listings for television airings. Physical copies (DVDs and Blu-rays) can be purchased from major retailers like Amazon and Walmart. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Woman King, you might like these similar films:

• Black Panther (2018): Features a strong African setting, themes of protecting a nation, and powerful female warriors, resonates with similar cultural and heroic elements.
• Braveheart (1995): Shares the epic scale, themes of fighting for freedom against oppression, and large-scale battle sequences, though set in a different historical context.
• Glory (1989): Depicts a historically significant African American fighting unit during the American Civil War, similar theme of courage.
• Mulan (1998): Features a strong female lead defying societal expectations to become a warrior and protect her nation, mirroring Nawi’s journey.

🛒 The Woman King Related Products

• The Woman King Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the official movie poster featuring Viola Davis as General Nanisca, perfect for fans and collectors. A striking piece of artwork to showcase your appreciation for the movie. Many sizes available, and some sizes are laminated.
• LEGO BrickHeadz Black Panther Figure: Pay homage to African warriors with this custom-built LEGO tribute! Black Panther’s Dora Milaje are kin to The Woman King’s Agojie, sharing their bravery, skill, and heritage. A fun and engaging build to show support of African culture.
• Historical Warrior Figures Set: A set of detailed figures representing warriors from different historical eras, including African warriors. Use for building diorama displays, history projects, or for engaging in imaginative role-playing games.
• Warrior Women: An Illustrated History: Delve deeper into the history of female warriors from around the world, including the Agojie of Dahomey. Explore their tactics, weapons, and cultural impact. A book that provides further insights into women in battle.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Woman King features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Tribute to the King” – performed by Icebo M
• “Dahomey” – performed by Terence Blanchard
• “Agojie” – performed by Lebo M

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

“The Woman King” REWRITES History for Hollywood’s Agenda #shorts

Okay, this video dives into whether ‘The Woman King’ plays fast and loose with history to push a certain narrative. It’s a quick watch and definitely makes you think – is Hollywood rewriting history, or just telling a story?

The Woman King Lies About History

Ever wonder how much of ‘The Woman King’ is actually true? This video breaks down the historical inaccuracies, and trust me, there are some big ones. Check it out if you want the real story behind the movie!

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