Fact Check: "The Woman King is a historical revisionist and Historical Negationist film"
What We Know
"The Woman King," directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, is a film that portrays the Agojie, an all-female military unit of the Dahomey kingdom, during the early 19th century. The film has sparked significant debate regarding its historical accuracy, particularly concerning Dahomey's involvement in the slave trade. Critics argue that the film minimizes the kingdom's role as a slaver, presenting a narrative that is overly sympathetic to its characters while glossing over the darker aspects of their history. According to a Washington Post article, the film depicts Dahomey as engaging in the slave trade primarily to procure weapons for defense against the Oyo, which some critics see as a whitewashing of the kingdom's brutal history as slavers. Conversely, the film's supporters argue that it offers a necessary re-examination of African history from a perspective that counters colonial narratives, as noted by the Los Angeles Times.
Analysis
The claim that "The Woman King" is a historical revisionist and negationist film is complex and requires a nuanced evaluation. Critics from various backgrounds have expressed concerns about the film's portrayal of Dahomey. For instance, historians have pointed out that the kingdom was deeply involved in the slave trade, often capturing and selling other Africans, which the film downplays (The Conversation). This has led to accusations of historical revisionism, as the film's narrative may mislead audiences about the realities of Dahomey's past.
On the other hand, proponents of the film, including Prince-Bythewood herself, argue that the historical record has often been written from a colonial perspective, which can distort the understanding of African histories (Los Angeles Times). Historical consultant Leonard Wantchekon, who has familial ties to the Agojie, emphasizes that much of the existing literature on Dahomey has been shaped by European narratives that portray the kingdom in a negative light (Los Angeles Times). This perspective suggests that the film is attempting to reclaim a narrative that has been historically marginalized.
The reliability of sources critiquing the film varies. While academic historians provide a grounded critique based on extensive research, some opinion pieces may reflect personal biases or political agendas, which can affect their objectivity. For example, a critical review on Ordinary Times suggests that the film's attempt to balance historical accuracy with Hollywood storytelling ultimately fails, indicating a potential bias against the film's narrative choices.
Conclusion
The claim that "The Woman King" is a historical revisionist and negationist film is Partially True. While the film does take liberties with historical facts, particularly regarding Dahomey's role in the slave trade, it also attempts to present a narrative that challenges colonial perspectives. This duality complicates the assessment of the film as purely revisionist. The criticisms highlight valid concerns about historical accuracy, yet the film's intent to provide a different viewpoint on African history cannot be dismissed outright. Thus, it occupies a space that is both a re-examination of history and a potential oversimplification of complex realities.
Sources
- Hollywood couldn't make 'The Woman King' historically ... Washington Post
- 'Woman King' true story: Debunking 'revisionist history' claims - Los ... Los Angeles Times
- Woman King is worth watching: but be aware that its take on history is ... The Conversation
- The Woman King's Historical Lies: Why They Matter Ordinary Times
