The Woman King
Duration: 2hr 15 m
The Woman King is a 2022 historical
action-adventure film about the Agojie, the
all-female warrior unit that protected the West
African kingdom of Dahomey during the 17th to
19th centuries.
Set in the 1820s, the film stars Viola Davis as a
general who trains the next generation of warriors
to fight their enemies. It is directed by Gina
Prince-Bythewood and written by Dana Stevens,
based on a story she wrote with Maria Bello. The
film also stars Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch,
Sheila Atim, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, and John Boyega.
Elements of The Woman King:
Plot:The Woman King follows the story of General
Nanisca (Viola Davis), who trains the next
generation of warriors, the Agojie, to protect the
West African kingdom of Dahomey in the 1820s.
The film explores themes of sisterhood, loyalty, and
defying expectations. There's also a personal
journey for a young recruit, Nawi (Thuso Mbedu),
who clashes with tradition.
Characters:
● General Nanisca (Viola Davis):A fierce
and experienced leader who trains the
Agojie warriors.
● Nawi (Thuso Mbedu): A rebellious young
recruit who struggles to conform to the
Agojie's strict code.
● Izogie (Lashana Lynch): A skilled warrior
and mentor to Nawi.
● King Ghezo (John Boyega):The young
king of Dahomey who relies on the Agojie
for protection.
Setting: The film takes place in the 1820s in the
West African kingdom of Dahomey (present-day
Benin).
Theme: The Woman King explores themes of
female empowerment, sisterhood, defying tradition,
and the impact of colonialism.
Dialogue: The dialogue is powerful and inspiring,
showcasing the strength and determination of the
Agojie warriors.
Cinematographic Elements:
Cinematography: The film features stunning
visuals with sweeping shots of the Dahomey
landscape and dynamic action sequences that
showcase the Agojie's fighting skills.
Sound: The film has a powerful score that
complements the action sequences and emotional
moments. The sound design is immersive, placing
you right in the heart of the battlefields.
Mise-en-scène: The costumes and production
design are meticulously crafted to represent the
culture and history of the Dahomey kingdom.
Editing:The editing is fast-paced and keeps the
audience engaged throughout the film.
Literary Elements
Theme: This is the central message or idea
explored throughout the film.
The Woman King prominently features themes of:
● Female Empowerment: The Agojie
warriors are the heart of the story,
showcasing the strength and leadership of
women.
● Sisterhood:The bond between the Agojie
warriors is a powerful force, emphasizing
the importance of female camaraderie and
support.
● Defying Tradition: Nawi's character arc
challenges the established hierarchy and
societal norms within the Dahomey
kingdom.
● Impact of Colonialism: The film explores
the pressures faced by Dahomey from
European colonizers, adding a layer of
historical context.
● Character Development: Just like in
literature, characters in The Woman King
evolve and grow throughout the story:
● General Nanisca: We see her grappling
with past trauma while mentoring a new
generation.
 ● Nawi: She transforms from a rebellious
outsider into a disciplined warrior,
questioning traditions along the way.
● Foreshadowing:The movie might use
subtle hints or clues about future events to
build tension and suspense.
● Symbolism: Objects, colors, or actions can
hold deeper meaning beyond their literal
significance. For example, the Agojie's
weapons and training could symbolize
strength and resilience.
● Dialogue: The way characters speak
reveals their personalities, motivations, and
internal conflicts. Powerful speeches or
memorable quotes can resonate with
viewers.
Historical Elements
● The Agojie:The film centers around the
Agojie, a real all-female warrior unit that
protected the West African kingdom of
Dahomey (present-day Benin) from the 17th
to 19th centuries.
● The Dahomey Kingdom: The movie
depicts Dahomey during the 1820s, a
period of its rise and involvement in the
transatlantic slave trade.
● Military Training: The Agojie were
renowned for their rigorous training and skill
in combat. The film portrays some aspects
of their training methods.
Creative Liberties:
● King Ghezo's Portrayal: King Ghezo, who
ruled during the film's timeframe, was a
complex figure heavily involved in the slave
trade. The movie presents him in a more
sympathetic light.
● Anti-Slavery Focus: The Agojie likely
participated in capturing people for the
slave trade at times. The film portrays them
as primarily focused on defending Dahomey
from outside threats.
● Specific Events: While the film captures the
essence of the Agojie's role, specific battles
or conflicts might be fictionalized.
Socio-cultural Elements
Gender Roles:
● Defying Expectations: The Agojie warriors
shatter traditional gender roles in a
patriarchal society. They are the protectors,
wielding immense power and respect,
challenging the norm of men being the
primary warriors.
● Sisterhood and Community:The film
emphasizes the strong bond between the
Agojie. They train, fight, and support each
other, creating a unique female community
within the kingdom.
Warrior Culture:
● Honor and Discipline: The Agojie are
depicted adhering to a strict code of honor
and rigorous discipline. Their training and
fighting style reflect this deeply ingrained
warrior culture.
● Sacrifice and Duty: Becoming an Agojie
warrior requires significant sacrifices. The
film explores themes of giving up personal
desires and family life for the greater good
of the kingdom.
Dahomey Kingdom:
● Military Power:The Agojie were a key
symbol of Dahomey's military might. The
film showcases their prowess in battle,
highlighting their importance in maintaining
the kingdom's power.
● Slavery's Impact:The Dahomey kingdom
participated in the transatlantic slave trade,
a complex and dark chapter in history.
While the film doesn't delve deeply into this,
it acknowledges the social and political
climate of the time.
Colonial Pressures:
● Resistance to European Influence: The
movie hints at the growing threat of
 European colonialism. The Agojie
represent a force of resistance against
outside powers attempting to dominate the
region.

● African Heroism: The Woman King offers

a refreshing portrayal of African warriors
and royalty outside the lens of colonialism.
It celebrates their strength, resilience, and
cultural significance.