Inspired by true events, The Woman King follows the emotionally epic journey of General Nanisca (Viola Davis) as she trains the next generation of female recruits and readies them for battle against an enemy determined to destroy their way of life.
Language: English, subtitles: Dutch
The Woman King is the story of the Agojie, who were a fighting unit instrumental in protecting the Kingdom of Dahomey, one of the most powerful African states in 1823.
The film focuses on General Nanisca, but also gives a surprising amount of backstory to some of the other Agojie thus allowing us to understand the choices they make as they train their fighting skills and to see their scars.
Unlike many big blockbuster films, the characters are far from flat, and the story gives ample room for emotional development of the characters. And Viola Davis is not the only one giving a moving and impressive performance; the film proves that action and acting can come together.
This film deserves a big screen experience as it has all the ingredients of an epic film adventure. The story is captivating, the action choreography is impressive, the art direction is a feast for your eyes, and the sound design will give you chills.
It’s not only a refreshing film about powerful women, or about an African perspective on history, but it is also a crowd-pleasing epic and an emotional action-packed film.
Please note this film contains images of a violent and sexual nature.
Awards
Viola Davis won several prizes for her performance and role as producer of the film, including the Chairman’s award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival.
Reviews
“A thunderously cinematic good time; see it on the biggest screen you can find.” The Guardian.
“The film is exactly what you need it to be: an exciting and emotionally true spectacle that required a heck of a fight to simply exist.” Associated Press.
“It’s a lush, prime piece of entertainment in many respects.” The Hollywood Reporter.
Find out more
If you’re interested in finding out about the history of the Agojie and Dahomey, check out the following links:
• Is The Woman King a true story? Real history of Viola Davis film | NationalWorld
• The Woman King - Wikipedia
• The True Story Behind The Woman King | Time
Ticket information
This film will be shown at Filmhuis De Zwarte Doos. Buying a ticket online in advance is mandatory if you want to attend this film. You can buy a ticket via the black “order” button on this page.
Please note: you can only buy a ticket online; tickets are not purchasable with cash or bank card at the ticket counter. A ticket is not refundable or exchangeable.
You can find more general information about tickets, refund policy, etc. here.
Please be on time
The screening of the film starts at 19:30 sharp (no commercials). We kindly ask you to be at the ticket counter when it opens 15 minutes prior to the start of the film. This is to ensure the film starts and ends on time.
The Studium Generale film program is created in collaboration with the student film committee and Natlab.