The African kingdom of Daomé is one of the only in history with records of an all-female royal guard, known as Agojie. If you watched 'Black Panther', you may remember the warriors protecting the kingdom of Wakanda, the Dora Milaje. In 'The Woman King', you will get to know the story of this female army that inspired Marvel's creators. In the movie, Viola Davis is the leader of the Agojie, a general who, although a hero, is also human. This is one of the strongest points of the story, which is already filled with an absurd force: the construction of a complex female character, free from stereotypes and shallow foundations. You can see yourself in her as a woman and find an inner power, that women are capable of anything. In addition, the production enhances the beauty and diversity of black women without artifices or stereotypes - this is cinema doing its job by showing life as it is. It is worth mentioning that 'The Woman King' is an epic historical with action scenes, but this is not the focus. It is a movie that portrays a period of West Africa that was heavily influenced by these female warriors, who deserve to have their story told. Click here to read the full review and interview with Viola Davis.
A Disney modern classic animation based on a popular Chinese fairy tale starring Ming-Na Wen (star of Chinese action films, Chun-Li from the 'Street Fighter' movie and Melinda May from 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.). Not only does it bring a heroine for all girls to identify with, it also has great musical sequences and beautiful traditional animation.
History often does not do justice to the most important African American figures in the United States, and the case of Harriet Tubman is just one of many that have not received the deserved representation in pop culture. That's why 'Harriet' is only the first cinematic production intended for the big screen and entirely dedicated to the political and abolitionist activist. As is usually the case with biographical dramas, this feature film directed by filmmaker and actress Kasi Lemmons ('Eve's Bayou') does not lack melodramatic clichés of the genre. However, Cynthia Erivo ('Widows') is phenomenal in the title role, earning one of the two Oscar nominations for the film (the second was for the original song 'Stand Up'). Perfect for those who like inspiring stories.