Piece Comment

Review of What's the Word? Women Warriors


Bravo!
Provocative and intriguing documentary on various women warriors -- real or fiction characters. Each story flows effortless into each other.

We're first introduced to Joan of Arc, a woman many learned about in history courses but there is far more depth to this story than we were ever told. The story moves well and holds your attention.

We're next introduced to Fa Mulan, who is a revered woman warrior in ancient China. Beautifully told by Shirley Geok-lin Lim. Pure poetry. There is a richness of characterization. It made me want to revisit Maxine Kong Kingston's book.

Finally, we're introduced to G.I. Jane. As with the other two, this story moves beyond the book and movie versions.

This documentary is not too long, it is of perfect length and is a model for other historical pieces... the right narration, clear sound bites and appropriately placed music.

I listened to this documentary countless times simply because I learned somethiing new each time.