This is what happens when the Americans attempt to make a film based on an Indian movie script. Film a bit fake in its setting, not historical accurate, and with a representation of the people represented (African, European and South American) a bit too modern and clean (likely to satisfy American tastes and not reality). This is even fine, but while the Indians often add complexity to the plot with a lot of twists to keep the attention and enhance the surprise, here instead the first half is plain, with some recover in the second half, but without many emotions triggered.
Cast not diverse at all. we need a more inclusive cast. its 2022 for god’s sake.
As disingenuous in its historical revisionism as the actors' African accents, it's a commercial movie that sells empowerment when it's actually offering submission, with unnecessary subplots and a sweeten portrayal of the ferocity of the Dahomey Amazons. It gives the impression that it hides the lack of a clear position on slavery with superficial samples of African folklore.
I think the title could have been shortened to "Queen"? Copyright perhaps.
Found it a bit boring,but that's what I expected from the woke brigade in Hollywood.
Better than I expected, but not as good as I hoped.
I don't care about the historical inaccuracies. There's no historical epic in existence that hasn't taken some liberties with the details, many far moreso than this.
What surprised me is that, despite Nanisca being top-billed, being the face on the poster, and even being the titular "Woman King", she wasn't the main character of the film. She was a supporting role to the real protagonist: Nawi.
I wish Viola Davis had been given the opportunity to do what she does best: Intense, emotional scenes that don't let the viewers off the hook. But in this piece there simply wasn't a scene long enough for her to sink her teeth into. The few emotionally-charged scenes were shuddering with jump-cuts and dialogue that just pull you right out of the emotion... It was disengaging.
It was great to see Davis in a more physical role for a change though. I was on set for some of the action scenes, and her physicality and professionalism were captivating in person, even if the choppy editing didn't quite tdo them justice on screen.
While Mbedu and Bolger did a fine job protraying it, with excellent on-screen chemistry, I felt that the romance story was just a distraction that could have been dispensed with. That might have bought us a few more minutes of Davis screen time!
Like me describing a date I went on: so romanticized it's a little sickening and doesn't make a whole lot of sense.
Another film that would've made a better documentary, the added melodrama to an already dramatic movie stacked the BS so high it was over the top.
The Woman King suffers from its attempt to be a blockbuster. The African kingdom of Dahomey is fascinating but the story needs less Hollywood. A realistic, unfiltered depiction could've made a strong best picture contender.
Everything Viola Davis touches turns into gold and she was great as expected. But to see Thuso Mbedu deliver an almost even spectacular performance blew my mind. This movie has so much power and so much heart. Loved it.
Nice movie…it really show how noble the African culture is at all levels…
Viola Davis has established herself as one of the best current actresses; With a strong personality, each role she plays highlights it masterfully. Without a doubt, this role of an African woman leading an unusual group of female warriors benefits from her character. Based on real events, it is difficult to say that the story is predictable, since it is not a failed invention but a series of events that happened, although perhaps not in the same way. The film is distinguished by its great casting that in each role selected the right performer. It's worth it just to see Viola Davis in action, but it's more enjoyable when it can also be said to be worth it for the entire cast. As for the narrative, it is interesting, entertaining, but it does fall into some common places. However, as I already said: it's worth it.
Viola Davis is great as always. The real star however is Thuso Mbedo, who is incredible as Nawi.
This movie has rightfully been called a "Black female Braveheart". Just like Braveheart, it's a great movie! And just like Braveheart, it's more historical fiction than fact.
Great watch. I don’t usually like slave movies but this was much better than i expected. Viola Davis is an amazing actress
If only they could cast people who spoke the languages... Even the Portuguese was half assed
This only criticism I have is Thuso Mbedu is too cute to try and make an angry face. I was not buying it. The movie is still a 10 though.
Had some issues with some scenes, but all in all a good movie. I hope more movies like this are made. Definitely a MUST WATCH!
Wow...amazing. Kudos to all the actors and actresses. They all did an excellent performance
This film is a really well made film. Despite not typically being a fan of these types of historical action films, it worked and kept me engaged the whole time. I can imagine that the people that enjoy these films will really love this one!
Rating: 3.5/5 - 80% - Would Recommend
I initially had no expectations and after the first minutes I was somewhat concerned about historical accuracy. But hell, it turned out to be a great and unique enough experience.
What an awesome semi-true story about a group of woman warriors in Africa who lead a kingdom to take down a looming enemy. Of course the main premise of this film was entertaining to watch but the way they hooked you was great and the hook continued to be a great side story that appealed to your emotions while the main premise posed great action. It moved at a great pace and the character’s involvement with the audience was great, I loved all the characters.
Disappointed in the simplistic Dahomey Good, Yoruba Bad, with the historical human-sacrificing Dahomeyans being, pardon the expression, whitewashed.
Really enjoyed this. I do think sometimes some people just bitch about a movie for the sake of bitching. Too woke, not inclusive enough, not historically accurate, wrong accents, wrong colour cat etc etc etc. I look for movies to be entertaining, little else, if I want history I'll read a book! On the entertainment front for me, the movie delivers. Good story, great cast, good acting (mostly), great camera work overall a pretty engrossing watch, it's also a welcome and refreshing chage from the relentless flow of MCU, super hero and other movie series that should have ended after the first sequel (looking at you Fast & Furious!). Could I sit and pick faults with it, yes, just as you could with just ebout every other movie made but this was a really good watch with very little 'down time.' Glad I watched it as I was a bit dubious at first given some of the stuff that Netflix has put out in the past but, in some cases at least, things seem to be improving.
All I can say is that the whole cast should be coming for the Oscars. That was an incredible movie I will be watching that movie a few more times! I mean everything was spectacular about that movie the acting, the scenes. It was a perfect movie...
I'm not going to put any spoilers on here but it's a must see! I mean Viola Davis really did an amazing job And just the whole cast! I was in love with every character on that screen everyone did their job they left no food on the plate everyone ate. Even the extras ate lol... I know it sounds but the animals ate lol they left no crumbs for us!
I mean The movie had everything. Action, an amazing story line, love, coming of age, and it was funny at times. You laugh, and you may even cry.
Very solid fights. Enjoyable movie.
Finally, a movie that could hold my interest. They are so rare. Amazing story.
Clearly this is a film that raises the banner of one of the post modern world's controversial issues: Feminism. Not really a huge fan of that part, yet without a doubt, the plot, script, historical narrative, and action scenes were all very nicely done and well thought of. The largely female cast did a brilliant show, it is also noteworthy that the film was made in a more traditional technique, having lesser usage of CGI which really brought forth the beauty and strength of the cast's raw acting talents.
I’ve seen comparisons to Braveheart, I think those are pretty on point. It does some things exceptionally well (acting, action, visuals, costume design, the music bangs), but it’s also too commercial for its own good. Some of the key elements of this film are schmaltzy, melodramatic and predictable, and it brings a lot of the film down. There are also some minor exposition dumps that aren’t very elegantly handled, and it’s a bit too long. Still, let there be no mistake about it: this is one of the better mainstream films to come out this year, if only by the virtue of not messing up at any major point (it’s never goes fully dumb or stupid, nor does it ever turn into CGI schlock). So it’s unfortunate to see this film being another victim of an engineered hate campaign, here’s hoping most of its potential audience are smart enough to see through that.
6/10
Not sure how this has a 10% rating when it’s not even released yet?. Really looking forward to seeing it!
Well done, engaging, powerful and heart felt. Like a breath of fresh air!
A decent epic with a handful of powerful scenes.
Some good performances and set pieces, but don't go into this looking for historical accuracy. Once you've finished the movie it's important to read up on the truths of the time vs. this well produced fiction (w slivers of truth here and there). 6.6.
just Wow !! dont misss it baby !!
It was entertaining and good for the struggles, the historical realism, for documentaries. Viola David from lawyer to elite warrior.
I knew this was going to be an awesome military movie when I saw Viola Davis in the trailer. I was not disappointed. ⚔
PS: Lashana Lynch is hot AF!
Review by JCVIP 4BlockedParent2022-10-02T05:19:10Z
Man I love every time an action movie comes out that reminds us the genre can have depth and themes and true character work. That there can be style and practical effects and grounded action. In the wave of the MCU this is such a breath of fresh air. The action is slick but the drama and characterization work in tandem with it to create something truly special. It's a film that is inspirational not in spite of the history but because it acknowledges the history and transforms it and finds a way to make it resonate today. It shows the strength of these women and the culture while not shying away from its flaws. These black women are put up on a pedestal and asked- if not demanded- to stop feeling, that it is weak, a dereliction of duty, and the film gradually repudiates that while never denying their strength or more importantly their humanity.
And the cast gamely rises up to what they're given. Davis obviously shines as the centerpiece, putting decades of experience into a performance that is stoic, aching, charismatic, and raw in equal measures. Some of her delivery and expressions, from a wry smirk to a fond and exasperated roll of the eyes, are so good at grounding Nanisca and making her really feel like a person, just one from a different time. And while I had mixed feelings about Underground Railroad, Mbedu was never one of them, and she shines here as well. The things she can do with her eyes alone are captivating. And Boyega is charming while being hard and pragmatic enough to still keep you guessing where he'll fall. But in a cast of greats, Lasana Lynch still stands out. The charisma she has on display here makes me baffled she hasn't led a franchise yet, put her in everything.
This film is a celebration of black women while never dehumanizing them. It lets us be strong and vulnerable, stalwart and hurting, devoted and loving, in equal measure. And it's a tight, fun time to boot.