This film is inspired by a real unit of all-female warriors that protected the West African kingdom of Dahomey in the 18^th & 19^th centuries. The movie events take place in the 1820’s, when their determined general (Viola Davis) leads the fight against another tribe that captures their fellow Africans to sell into slavery. The settings and design create a picturesque world, while the intense performances give the film it’s heft (of course, Davis is richly nuanced). It’s sometimes hard to follow the fights, but they ultimately add some decent action moments. For that human touch is a tender story of love and redemption. There are slow portions, but the movie is sufficiently interesting and the subject is fascinating enough to make it sometimes stirring. (3.5 / 5)

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