What’s It About
A historical epic inspired by the true events that happened in The Kingdom of Dahomey, one of the most powerful states of Africa in the 18th and 19th centuries.
MOVIESinMO REVIEW
This movie is highly past due. Thanks to the success of The Black Panther, Hollywood seems to have finally embraced the stories only a few Black people already knew regarding our history and culture. We are no longer just enslaved people or that random Negro that invented something we can’t live without. Black people have fought through so much turmoil long before the North American slave story began. Sadly, The Woman King is only one of many stories that desperately need to be told. But, on a very positive note, The Woman King is a superbly written and acted film portraying an all-female team of Amazonian-esque warriors. The events are loosely based on true accounts, with Hollywood alterations added for a more European-pleasing story flow. Not to worry, the emotions of the era are still felt with glimpses of the horrible acts against the African people. And unfortunately, slavery is a catalyst that moves this story along. But getting passed the obligatory American movie staple of that White savior, The Woman King shows us Kings. A wealthy land owned by the native people, successful trade agreements with other nations (even if one of those trades were for people), and true happiness and respect for those before you. Movies of this caliber are what every culture needs to see, more representation, especially if it is based on facts.
OUR RATING – A POWERFUL 8
MEDIA
- Genre – Drama
- Street date
- Digital – November 22nd, 2022
- DVD/Blu-Ray/4K – December 13th, 2022
- Video – 1080p
- Screen size – 2.40:1
- Sound – English: Dolby Atmos, Spanish: DTS-HD MA 5.1, English Descriptive: Dolby Digital 5.1
- Subtitles – English SDH, Spanish, French
Extras
- Audio Commentary – Gina Prince-Blythewood and editor Terilyn A. Shropshire talk about bringing the film to life, working on location, editing the action sequences, and the performances, and seeing the final product. It’s a dry, yet informative commentary track.
- A Caterpillar’s Destruction (HD, 10 Mins.) – This showcases Viola Davis on set, her performance, the rehearsals and training, stuntwork, and themes she used to perfect her character. This also talks about what made her accept this role.
- Woman/Warrior (HD, 12 Mins.) – Here are more interviews and behind-the-scenes footage of the stuntwork, training, casting, and more.
- Storytellers (HD, 11 Mins.) – Most of the cast and crew praise Gina Prince-Blythewood.
- Representation Matters (HD, 10 Mins.) – A great yet brief look at the real history and tribe that is shown in the film, which is pretty fun to watch.
- Thuso Mbedu Auditions (HD, 7 mins.) – Audition footage of the actress of the film.