Amina

It's almost funny that someone who really likes this (even says loves it), still only gives it 6 out of 10 stars. I reckon that is saying something, yes? On the other hand, as you can see by the rating of many, it plays along the general line of what most think of the movie.

Having said that, maybe you will more enticed and more engaged in the story than others. That is always tough to predict. Overall the story is not a bad one and there is even some action here. Still it did leave me quite cold and not caring too much about the main characters. The actors still do a good job - it is just tough for me to actually relate.

Have seen worse, have seen better too.

Some acting moments from main actors (king and Amina), but the supporting actor (Maladi), hard to tell if he is comic relief because his role should be serious. Some really good scenic shots but many that look like a stage. Some of the costumes look like I could make them from my own craft stash and fabric remenants, making me doubt how much they represent the time period. The speaking with accents was labored by almost all actors. The real bummer is this movie could be so good with with the story but this rendition isn't. I would love to see it remade.

The story was good enough to get me to watch it to the end but seriously, was the budget so low they couldn't afford better sheilds. As the warriors were running towards each other they were bending because they were obviously cardboard. In a few scenes you could even see the corrugated cardboard.

The acting was really bad and the fight scenes laughable. I think a revamped write, better acting and a better budget it would be a pretty good movie. The little girl as young Amina was pretty good, spunky child for sure.

I will watch for a remake, maybe it will improve because it is a good story, real or not.

I found this movie interesting on several levels. It had a strong female lead, and a good supporting cast. The villain was comical, and I was glad when he got his just desert: death at the hands of Queen Amina and her supporters. The epitaph of her reign was informative and made up for all the flaws in the storyline and direction. Watch and learn, you'll be glad you did.

If you don't have a good script to start with, don't make the movie.

This is a historic drama. As one watches, the potential for the story is there. Some people will claim this has bad acting, but remember where this is filmed and don't expect Hollywood mannerisms from that part of the world. The acting is true to that culture.

The writing and story though... that was pretty poor, as was the directing and choreography. Fake fighting, punches being visibly pulled, swords slowly and barely connecting, the "sword to the side" trope, etc. Not that I care to see realistic battles, but there are non-gory ways to present battles that aren't obviously fake.

Some of the story is presented well. The pain and suffering of slavery. The subterfuge of betrayals. But surprisingly, the main character herself is about as two-dimensional as they come. The King was a more interesting presentation. It seems a great deal was left out of the story, but it's hard to tell what since I haven't studied that part of history. Basically, the story just falls flat with a really lazy ending.

I'm being generous in giving it 4 stars... and I do that mainly because of the unusual setting and the fact that it was moderately interesting all the way through. But when it comes to the end of the movie one realizes what a let-down the whole thing is. As far as a cinematic presentation and presentable story line goes, this fails to deliver.