This week a film will come out that deserves your attention. I absolutely love THE WOMAN KING and for my review I’ll give you a breakdown of why this is one of the year’s best films!

Inspired by true events, THE WOMAN KING follows the emotionally epic journey of General Nanisca (Oscar®-winner Viola Davis) as she trains the next generation of recruits of the Agojie, the all-female unit of warriors, and readies them for battle against an enemy determined to destroy their way of life in the African Kingdom of Dahomey.

The film’s cast is lined with amazing performances starting with our titular Woman King, Oscar®-winner Viola Davis. Her portrayal of General Nanisca is bursting with powerful physicality and deep-seeded emotional trauma. The way in which the film unravels her full arc and story is just as impactful as Maximus in Gladiator or William Wallace in Braveheart. In fact, Viola Davis, leader role immediately should invoke the most kick ass generals captured on screen. Lashana Lynch and Sheila Atim play the dual second-in-command warriors under Davis’ Agojie unit. Lynch’s humor-filled performance really lifts up the film from its more violent or dramatic elements. Lynch’s work with young talent Thuso Mbedu is a real highlight in the film. As the story revolves around Mbedu’s character, Nawi’s journey in becoming an Agojie, the movie allows the audience to join the all-female warrior unit. Atim’s performance as Amenza is much more connected to the emotional odyssey of General Nanisca and the scenes between Atim and Davis are pure gold. Rounding out the lead actors is the vivacious performance from John Boyega as King Ghezo. The strutting confidence from Boyega’s intro scene remains a core trait throughout the movie. Every scene Ghezo is in puts off both powerful importance and still can add more humor or stoic elements depending on where we are in the war of the film. In the end, each actor seems compelled to bring forth the most intriguing figures for this historical tale. You want this small warrior unit to win for their King and for all their Dahomey kingdom.

In films revolving around war and violent action a need for a sense of humor can be a real shining beacon. This film has so many perfectly placed moments of intimacy, humor and even confusion that just work. The arcs completed by these lead actors mirrors the grand scale at which this small female warrior group defies the odds. The film also speaks to ownership of our history and using this unit as a bright spot in a maddening world. Overcoming race and gender on top of being victorious in moments that seem impossible harps to the iconic lives of the Spartans, the Maccabees, or other rebellious groups that beat the odds. The Agojie are just as impressive and yet the ability to see these women live and thrive on top of their impressive fighting skill set is extremely empowering.

A movie that not only champions those left behind in history, but highlights the importance of empowerment in our modern world. The Woman King is not just a reminder of these special warriors but a call to action for all of us to recognize the beauty, brains and brawn of all womanhood. In a world still divided by race, gender and inequality this film screams that change is possible. Stand up tall and proud for the incredible film Gina Prince-Bythewood and this award-worthy cast have given us.

I’ll leave you with this awesome promo vignette that sums up the #sisterhood behind this movie.