The Woman King
Genre: Historical Drama | Action | Epic
Release Year: 2022
Directed by: Gina Prince-Bythewood
Starring: Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim, John Boyega
“To be a warrior, you must kill your tears.”
The Woman King is not just a film — it’s a roar of resistance, a bold and electrifying historical epic inspired by the true story of the Agojie: an elite all-female warrior unit that protected the African Kingdom of Dahomey in the 1800s.
Led by the incomparable Viola Davis in a performance that redefines power, courage, and honor, this film is a celebration of female strength, cultural heritage, and the untold legacies of African warriors.
The Story of Warriors Who Refused to Be Forgotten
Set in the Kingdom of Dahomey (modern-day Benin), The Woman King follows General Nanisca (Viola Davis) as she trains the next generation of warriors to defend their people from invaders, colonizers, and slave traders.
Amid the political tensions, a young recruit Nawi (Thuso Mbedu) rises to find her voice — and her place among the fiercest fighters the world has ever seen.
Why You Can’t Miss This Film
Epic battle choreography – raw, grounded, and emotionally charged.
Real history, dramatized with fire – the Agojie were the inspiration behind Black Panther’s Dora Milaje.
A Black female-led production – powerful, rare, and long overdue.
A score that moves your soul – from tribal drums to haunting vocals.
Memorable Quotes
“Some things are worth fighting for.”
“We fight not because we hate — but because we love.”
“The difference between courage and fear… is action.”
Awards & Recognition
Viola Davis earned universal acclaim for her transformative performance
Critics praised it as “Gladiator meets Black Panther — but deeply grounded in real history”
A major moment for representation in Hollywood and African storytelling