PIC of the Week – The Woman King
Article Series by Ray Schillaci
I started writing this PIC before the Oscar nomination announcements and to my shock, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and their historical sweeping epic, The Woman King, was completely shut out of the race. So, pardon my rant. By including Top Gun: Maverick and Avatar: The Way of the Water, has the Academy decided to include box office returns as part of the criteria over better story telling?
Both Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and The Woman King were far better stories than James Cameron’s over bloated Avatar sequel that had practically stick figure characterization while the Top Gun sequel was a fun simple story of a movie that lacked any real antagonist except for age. Yes, TG:M was the first movie to raise the theater chains from the ashes of the pandemic and the Avatar sequel is breaking box office records and wowing everybody with its visuals, but does that qualify either one of them to be placed in a Best Picture category above so many other better films?
I understand many of the other nominees. But, I cannot fathom why so many genuflected to a retread of Avatar. This time instead of humans assimilating with the Na’vi, the Na’vi must now assimilate with the reef people, the Kiri. Once again, they end up fighting the military, but this time as avatars. The effects are great, like one long Disney ride. But the film lacks any emotional strength, unlike Wakanda Forever and The Woman King.
Yes, Wakanda had blue people as well, but they were three dimensional. We truly cared about everyone. Taking it a step further, The Woman King cast was an incredible ensemble with Viola Davis delivering a remarkable physical and emotional performance that was every bit as good as Angela Bassett from Wakanda Forever. My question: did enough Academy members bother to see the screenings of both films or did they just go by word-of mouth and popularity?
It should also be brought to light that Wakanda’s powerful women were inspired by the real life drama of The Woman King, making that film all the more important for the Academy to recognize. Consider this, director Gina Prince-Bythewood presented a monumental achievement that recalls the days of David Lean with a terrifically rousing and compelling screenplay by Dana Stevens and Maria Bello. Viola Davis electrifies as Nanisca, the leader of woman warriors, the Agojie, of the Dahomey tribe in West Africa, along with her extremely strong supporting cast.
This is a movie based on true events that will grab your heart and make it soar while also bringing you to tears – the story of the Agojie that protected the Dahomey during the 17th and 19th centuries. The Agojie were liberating Dahomey women who were taken by slavers from the Oyo Empire. Although, the Dahomey tribe worked with the slave trade at one time, it was Nanisca that urged the king to no longer use any of their people or any Africans as slaves. This would eventually lead to a war between the much better equipped and bigger army of the Oyo Empire against the Dahomey.
Those that were liberated or even captured during attacks by Agojie were given the choice of either going back to their tribe or having the opportunity to possibly join the women warriors. Nanisca and her army’s tactics and fighting styles were unlike any of the other tribes which makes the story all the more engaging. The tests and obstacles that the promising warriors go through are incredibly rigorous and could easily defeat some spirits.
There is also the side story of a young Dahomey woman who refuses to marry a much older dominating Dahomey man. Her father takes her to the king’s grounds because she lacks discipline. Once there, a whole new world opens up to her and she insists on being the best new warrior, but her lack of discipline gets in the way. Her journey alone is a mighty story in itself.
The 2160p/Dolby Vision is a big step above the Blu version of this film delivering a spectacular picture. Production and costume design stand out with a wonderful brightness. At the same time the UHD captures the unique earth tones of West Africa. Darker scenes are not hampered in any way. This is near reference quality.
The Dolby ATMOS soundtrack on the 4K disc captures the true sounds of battle with all the clashes and one-on-one challenges. The quiet moments are the most noticeable with the sounds of the wilderness all around us. The soundtrack is soaring with the action and clutches our hearts in the tender moments. The Dolby ATMOS offers a more fuller sound than what the DTS Blu has to offer. But, the Blu does have an impressive sound as well.
Not to give anymore away, but there is plenty of intrigue, twists and turns in this incredible adventure that will make you want to watch it over and over again and share it with others. I cannot emphasize enough how incredible the supporting cast is and perhaps that is a reason why none were chosen for Oscars. It might have been too hard to decide between all of them. The heart and soul that they bear is just amazing. Director Gina Prince-Bythewood, writers Dana Stevens and Maria Bello, and Viola Davis have created a testament to the history of the Agojie, the Dahomey and West Africa. The Woman King may not be completely accurate, but it is a monumental achievement that should be recognized for years to come.
Lowest Price – $18.99 – Amazon
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