THE WOMAN KING (2022) Movie Reaction! | First Time Watch! | Viola Davis | Thuso Mbedu | John Boyega
Quick Read
Summary
Takeaways
- ❖The film's marketing as a pure action movie undersold its significant emotional and dramatic elements.
- ❖Viola Davis's performance brought unexpected emotional depth, particularly with the secret mother-daughter plotline.
- ❖The fight choreography is lauded for its kinetic energy, smart use of martial arts (like judo throws), and coordinated large-scale battles.
- ❖The character of Isogi provides crucial comedic relief and acts as a compassionate 'big sister' figure, balancing the strict military environment.
- ❖The movie effectively portrays the rich culture and complex civilization of the Dahomey kingdom, a stark contrast to its limited representation in Western education.
- ❖The film's success is attributed to a strong female creative team, fostering a collaborative and empathetic production environment.
Insights
1Unexpected Emotional Core and Viola Davis's Performance
The hosts were surprised by the profound emotional depth of 'The Woman King,' particularly the reveal of a secret mother-daughter relationship between General Nanisca (Viola Davis) and Nawi. This storyline added significant dramatic weight, showcasing Davis's ability to convey complex internal struggles and maternal yearning, which was not emphasized in the film's action-heavy marketing.
The hosts repeatedly mention their surprise at the emotional depth and the mother-daughter plotline, noting that Viola Davis consistently delivers emotionally rich performances. (, , )
2Masterful Action Choreography and Technical Execution
The film's action sequences are highly praised for their kinetic energy, smart choreography, and realistic portrayal of female warriors. The Agojie's fighting style, incorporating judo-like throws and swift movements, effectively counters the physical disadvantage against larger male opponents. The large-scale battles are noted for their technical complexity and ability to maintain chaos while showcasing individual skill.
The hosts discuss the 'kinetic physical use of momentum,' 'judo moves,' 'throwing and flipping,' and the 'impressive' nature of large-scale battles, highlighting how the women 'never stopped moving.' (, , )
3Educational Impact and Cultural Representation
The movie serves as a crucial educational tool, exposing audiences to the rich, complex history and culture of African civilizations, particularly the Dahomey kingdom, which is often absent from mainstream Western historical narratives. The hosts express a newfound desire to learn more about African history beyond the context of the slave trade.
The hosts reflect on their lack of education about African history, describing it as a 'blank page' outside of the slave trade, and express a need to 'educate myself more about actual African history.' They also appreciate the inclusion of details like palm oil trade as an economic pivot. (, , )
4Impact of a Female-Led Creative Team
The production benefited significantly from a predominantly female cast and creative team, fostering a collaborative and empathetic environment. This is seen in the nuanced character development, the portrayal of deep female bonds, and the overall 'respect of these women' evident in the film's narrative and execution.
The hosts note the 'incredible female cast, incredible female production team' and discuss how a female creative team brings a 'collaborative community' and allows for more 'personable' and 'vulnerable' character portrayals. (, , )
Notable Moments
The revelation of General Nanisca's secret daughter, Nawi, through a shark tooth scar.
This plot twist adds a profound layer of personal drama and emotional stakes to Nanisca's character, transforming her from a stoic warrior into a vulnerable mother, deepening the film's narrative beyond pure action.
The character of Isogi, the jovial and compassionate second-in-command.
Isogi provides essential comic relief and a 'big sister' dynamic to Nawi, balancing the intense military training with warmth and empathy, making the Agojie's community feel more human and sustainable.
The visual grandeur of the Dahomey kingdom and its complex societal structure.
The detailed portrayal of the kingdom challenges common Western misconceptions of African history, showcasing a sophisticated civilization with its own politics, economy, and culture, prompting the hosts to seek further education.
The initial training scene where recruits are given only a rope as their first 'weapon.'
This scene effectively demonstrates the Agojie's philosophy of resourcefulness and foundational skill, emphasizing that true combat mastery begins with understanding basic tools and strategic thinking, not just brute force.
Quotes
"This was a lot softer of a film. I mean softer, we still had like the intensity and the battle and these like really badass women, but it was a lot more about the emotional existence of being this these badass women."
"Africa and and like Africa during that time and before is is kind of this blank page... you don't learn anything about like African history."
"It's smart though because they do have a disadvantage with these massive dudes."
"You trust her to know how to fill a scene with silence. And I talk about that a lot as like that is the sign of a strong actor."
Q&A
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