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The Woman King is a triumphant journey of an all-female unit of warriors, known as Agojie. Based on true events, the female soldiers were trained, armed and ready to protect the western African Kingdom of Dahomey at all costs in the early 1800s. The film was directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood. Also know for directing The Secret Life of Bees, Beyond the Lights, and all-time favorite Blockbuster, Love & Basketball. “It was exciting to dive into the research to really understand who these women were and what this culture was,” says Gina in a recent interview with Los Angeles Times.
(© Emma McIntyre/Getty Images(L-R) Gina Prince-Bythewood, Viola Davis, and Thuso Mbedu attend "The Woman King" Photo Call )
Our Grind Pretty team had the honor of attending a private screening of the film before it officially hit movie theaters. Here are our takeaways:
We all hold an innate warrior within us
The fight or flight response is our bodies direct response to stress. Women have a nurturant response to protect oneself and offspring. We fight for what we love.
Respect is a dangerous word
There’s a moment in the film where Viola Davis character, General Nanisca says, “If I am respected, it’s because I have earned it.” She’s defending herself from allegations that she may be favored by the King. This moment signifies that women tend to work twice as hard in the workplace to prove themselves.
Renaissance women always prevail
The ability to never stop learning is a key characteristic of a true renaissance women. Not only has Beyonce dominated the term, but women with many talents who continuously educates themselves in more than one field are proof of our increase to ruling the world!
Some things are worth fighting for
Easy goals don’t exist but giving up shouldn’t be an option. In the case of the Agojie women, these warriors fought in slave raids to protect their Kingdom from European colonizers. They exuberated fierce skill and bravery like no other.
Written by Taylar Broadnax, follow her at @taylar.chanell
Photos Courtesy of Sony Pictures, associated press.
