So let's be real I've been anticipating this movie ever since I saw how jacked Viola Davis got for the part. Needless to say I was not disappointed to see her transformation into a ferocious warrior. She rocks the role and brings nothing but her best. Plus she's surrounded by such an impressive ensemble who you can tell just want to match her spirit. That alone makes "The Woman King" an awesome time.
But the direction of Gina Prince-Bythewood that rockets this movie to another level. I don't want to say the script is bad but it has melodramatic flair that clashes with the historical epic it's going for. There's familial twists that feel like they belong to Hallmark and an atrocious opening narration that feels like it was put there to help dumb audiences. Even with all that though the direction from Prince-Bythewood rises above all. She gets the great performances and fuels the story with epic action. Not to mention capturing the beautiful artistry on display from costumes to production design. All of this visual spectacle builds to an explosive climax that is brutal while still in the confines of a PG-13 rating.

Hail to the King, Baby!