The Mosley Review: The Woman King
Every year we have films from Marvel, DC, or Disney and for the most part they have dominated the meaning of "Event Film". It is rare for another film to have that title bestowed on them that is not connected to a franchise. From the very first image that was released, this film became my number 1 most anticipated of the year and I didn't even bother watching the trailers. I wanted to be taken into a new corner of history that I didn't know and this film did that. It has been a while since an epic like this had moved me so much with its powerful true story. Many will say that it may follow a certain formula, but that doesn't mean it is not amazing. This film features the best portrayal of themes like strength, independence, coming of age, sisterhood, family and surviving your trauma and defeating it. All of that and more is featured in this amazing and heroing true story that I loved every second of.
Viola Davis leads this film with the such power and strength as General Nanisca. We have seen her deliver knockout after knockout performances, but this is one that I've never seen done so compassionately. Nanisca was not all fight, but rather a very complicated woman whose past is her strength and a weakness that she has to face late in the film. I loved how she was well rounded as she dealt with the politics of a kingdom and how respected her voice was. Sheila Atim was awesome and great as her closest friend Amenza. She was as strong and cunning as her and she was so spiritual. The layers to their friendship run so deep and I loved their scenes together so much. Lashana Lynch was brilliant as Izogie and I loved her wit, charm and fun personality. When it came to getting into the action, she was unbeatable. Thuso Mbedu was outstanding as Nawi and through her eyes, you get to see the themes of inner strength, determination and independence as her coming of age story begins. Her chemistry with her other trainees of the Agojie was great, but the standout moments were with her and Izogie. Their bond was the strongest in the film for me and I also loved her scenes with Nanisca. John Boyega was excellent as the young King Ghezo. He was so regal, powerful with the most humbleness and a smart man to see a brighter future for his people. I loved every moment he was on screen and his chemistry with Nanisca was so great. Their bond is another pillar of strength for the film that stands firm. Jordan Bolger was great as Malik and I loved that through he got to see his home, he witnessed the horrors that were going on with the trading system he was apart of.
The score was truly epic, emotional and downright perfection. Terence Blanchard has delivered yet another amazing film score that I could listen to with a smile and a tear streaming down my face. It is so elegant and as beautiful as the motion picture it is tied with. Visually the film was gorgeous to behold as we get to see the lushes greens and dark tans and greys of the African landscapes. I can't rave enough about how amazing and badass the action is in this film and I loved that it was shot simply and not overly done. The amount of work and training the cast went through to portray these warriors was on full display. This was the event film of the year for me and I loved every second. This is a MUST see film and hands down one of the best films of 2022! Do stick around for a quick and beautiful mid credit scene. Let me know what you thought of the film or my review in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
