'The Woman King' is Gina Prince-Bythewood's most ambitious project yet — a rousingly old-fashioned action-drama, drawn from true events, about women warriors in 19th-century West Africa.
— but given the movie's title, you suspect it's only a matter of time. The Agojie warriors are fighting the male soldiers of the Oyo Empire, who've been attacking Dahomey villages. To build up her army, Nanisca brings in a new batch of female recruits, among them an impetuous teenager named Nawi, played by Thuso Mbedu, the terrific South African star of last year'sMuch of the script centers on the growing bond — and the growing tension — between Nanisca and Nawi.
Nanisca may not be the most complex character Davis has played, but it's thrilling to see her take on her first major action showcase as she dons battle gear, wields a sword and hacks her way through the many, many men who get in her way. And she isn't the only one: My favorite performance in the movie comes from Lashana Lynch as Izogie, a top warrior who takes young Nawi under her wing.
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