Nzinga, Queen of Angola
Nzinga, Queen of Angola

Movie spotlight

Nzinga, Queen of Angola

2013
Movie
109 min
Portuguese

In the 17th century a warrior woman fights for the independence of Angola. After witnessing the murder of her son and watching her people being humiliated by Portuguese colonizers, Njinga will become a Queen and struggle for their liberation embodying the motto: those who stay fight to win.

Insights

Director: Mariana BastosGenres: Historical Drama, Biography

Plot Summary

This historical drama chronicles the epic life of Nzinga Mbandi, the fiercely intelligent and charismatic warrior queen who led the Ndongo and Matamba kingdoms in 17th-century Angola. Faced with Portuguese colonization and internal strife, Nzinga employs shrewd diplomacy, military prowess, and unwavering determination to protect her people and preserve her kingdom's sovereignty against overwhelming odds.

Critical Reception

The film was met with critical acclaim for its powerful portrayal of a significant historical figure and its strong production values. It was praised for bringing the story of Nzinga to a wider audience and highlighting themes of resistance, leadership, and cultural identity. While perhaps not widely distributed internationally, it garnered positive attention within African cinema circles.

What Reviewers Say

  • A compelling and inspiring depiction of a formidable African queen.

  • Praised for its historical accuracy and strong performances, particularly from Assumpta Guisse.

  • Highlights Nzinga's strategic genius and resilience in the face of colonial oppression.

Google audience: Audience reception information is not readily available.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Film at the Africa International Film Festival (2013).

Fun Fact

The production involved extensive research to accurately recreate the costumes and social structures of 17th-century Angola.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
Filipe Manuel Neto

Filipe Manuel Ne...

**Nzinga: the woman, the national leader, the mythological figure.** I saw this film yesterday, and I was reasonably satisfied. I don't think it's the first Angolan film I've seen, but it's certainly the first with some historical backgr...

Youtube Reviews

6 videos