The Woman King [DVD]

Good movie

Wasn't sure how this would be, but we were pleasantly surprised. Great action, acting and storytelling. Slavery, a blot on this planet's humanity, must at some point be reckoned with and seen in the light that it is, abhorrent, then as it is now. But what one must remember is that the time in which you are viewing this is the glasses to have on, having the eyes of today looking back will not help, but it will help you to understand why and how it persisted for so long. A great action film with a lot of familiar stars that will make you think.

I went to go see this film in the theaters, and in my opinion, it definitely deserves Oscar nominations for Best Film, Best Actress, and Best Cinematography. The only thing I found disheartening about this film is the re-writing of the Dohommey Tribe, who never gave up their involvement in the slave trade until it became internationally outlawed by both the American and British governments in the later part of the 19th Century because there was no longer sustainability in the trafficking human slave labor (unfortunately that has now changed with its rise once again...but I digress). However, once you can look past this rewriting of African history, the story does actually stand on its own. The entire cast has great chemistry with one another, and it is a visually appealing film. There is no white gaze or savior (s) in this film (YES!!).It was distressing that so many black men wanted to boycott this film, but it has become one of my favorite films of all time. Just don't come for a history lesson, but do come for a wonderful story told from a woman's perspective.

One of the best movies I’ve watched in a very long time.

As with other media items I own, this one began as a loan from the library. But once I saw it, I knew I wanted my own copy.Why? Well, there's the phenomenal fight scenes (do *not* mess with the Agojie!)...the peril from the enemies of the Dahomey, both 'foreign' and 'domestic'...the beautiful dance choreography and costuming...the all-too-relevant message...and if all that isn't enough, how about a cartload of special features, including how they did all that cool stuff?!?Beyond all this, however, "The Woman King" lifts up a part of Black history never before seen in movies. It does it so well that after the final credits had scrolled off my screen, I had those Agojie chants in my head for hours.As one lady from the special features put it, the Agojie were the real-life Dora Milaje. Celebrate their power and watch this movie!

The script, casting, acting, and camera work are superb. I'm a white male and this is mostly a black people movie. I've watched this movie four times and will no doubt enjoy it many more. It shows the remarkable and praiseworthy human values imbued in all people of character.

👍

A good movie.