Highlighting the agency, strength, and leadership of Black women.
The 2022 film is a historical epic directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood and inspired by the real-life Agojie , an all-female warrior unit that defended the West African Kingdom of Dahomey in the 1820s. Core Movie Details Release Date: September 16, 2022 (USA). Genre: Action/Adventure, Historical Drama. The.Woman.King.2022.PL.1080p.BluRay.x264.DD5.1-...
The emotional and tactical bond between the warriors. Highlighting the agency, strength, and leadership of Black
PG-13 (strong violence, disturbing material, thematic content, brief language, and partial nudity). Runtime: 135 minutes (2 hours 15 minutes). Main Cast: Viola Davis as General Nanisca. Thuso Mbedu as Nawi. Lashana Lynch as Izogie. Sheila Atim as Amenza. John Boyega as King Ghezo. Plot Summary Genre: Action/Adventure, Historical Drama
While fictionalized, the film addresses Dahomey’s historical participation in the slave trade and Nanisca’s push for abolition.
Critics at Rotten Tomatoes and Roger Ebert generally praised the film for its powerful performances—particularly from Davis and breakout star Mbedu—and its visceral, well-choreographed action sequences. Key themes explored include:
The story follows as she trains a new generation of recruits to protect Dahomey from rival tribes and Portuguese colonizers involved in the transatlantic slave trade. The narrative focuses on the defiant young recruit Nawi , who forms a strong bond with her mentor Izogie while discovering a deep personal connection to Nanisca. As war looms with the Oyo Empire, the Agojie must use their exceptional combat skills and unwavering loyalty to defend their kingdom's future. Critical Reception & Themes