The Tewa Onasanya-directed film “Women King,” which tells the story of the Agojie female army of the Dahomey village and its commander General Nanisca, celebrates bravery and sisterhood. The Agojie are a brave group of female warriors who combat with men to demonstrate their combat prowess. The Agojie are kept together during their difficult journey by General Nanisca’s leadership. This sisterhood accepts each woman’s strengths and weaknesses and supports one another in such a hazardous and unreliable field. General Nanisca demonstrates her skill in using strategy and tactics that lessen the exposure of military forces to conflict without sacrificing their ability to fight or their lives. Thus, “Women King” portrays the bravery, strength, adaptability, and sisterhood of Dahomey village women warriors during the war.
The Awaye women are physically strong and take an active role in society as key decision-makers, emphasizing their selfless leadership, fidelity, and combat prowess. For these reasons, the King gives them authority and values their opinions on matters of state. Even though she is admired and respected, the King’s wife plays a foil role whose jealousy grows as her husband favors Nanisca’s counsel and advice. However, Nanisca has won the King’s respect through extraordinary tenacity and bravery by sparing him from certain death on the battlefield. Her reputation as a leader has been enhanced by this deed, which has motivated other Awaye women.
The trade of slavery is also covered in the movie. Nanisca denounces this cruel practice and emphasizes the availability of alternative resources. Her willingness to question societal norms in the face of opposition from those who cannot accept dissent demonstrates her ability to think creatively. Nanisca won’t back down and insists on being heard and respected her views. Her intelligence, bravery, and resolve to transform her society are all displayed in the movie. The Oye men’s refusal to acknowledge Nanisca’s assertion is yet another stark reminder of the denigration, cruelty, and ongoing exploitation of slavery. Because of this, Nanisca’s words have a lot of potential in their battle against this dark spot in history.
A major theme of “Women King” is Black girlhood and womanhood. Despite the social stigma associated with being female in a patriarchal society, these female fighters were taught at a young age that they were equal to men in strength, worth, and capability. They were also taught that they could face the same challenges and channel the same courage and tenacity as men. These women had to put in as much effort as the men or risk being killed, expelled, or punished. Despite the constant warnings of danger and humiliation, most young women were inspired by this nigh-impossible task and bravely ventured forth in search of glory and greatness. These fighters demonstrated how their actions could change the world by upholding ideals like courage and dignity in the face of difficulty. These brave warriors can display bravery and strength with honor and reverence despite being victims of a severely oppressive society.
Nanisca encountered obstacles and setbacks throughout her life, but she never gave up and handled them with bravery, fortitude, and creativity. Nanisca defied sociocultural norms and set higher standards, and was remarkably successful. Both allies and enemies respected Nanisca for her tenacity. Nanisca was a highly talented, visionary, and inspirational woman. She disregarded the numerous barriers in her path because she was determined to succeed. Even her harshest critics, who had initially doubted her ability to succeed, came to respect her as she continued to push herself further and further. Nanisca’s bravery and tenacity demonstrated that she would not succumb to tragic events beyond her control. She demonstrated that tenacity and the desire to succeed could overcome any obstacle.
In conclusion, as a whole, “Women King” is a stirring story about bravery, tenacity, intelligence, sisterhood, and overcoming adversity. It also serves as a role model for Black womanhood and girlhood. These women put a lot of effort every day to demonstrate that they were physically and intellectually equal to men. They overcame hardship with grace and bravery to challenge societal norms with their opinions and voices and change their world.
Reference
The Woman King: Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood. With Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, Sheila, 18 Sept 2022. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8093700/
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