The excitement and anticipation surrounding Black Panther since word got out of its release is understandable. Black Panther is not just a new Marvel film about superheroes and villains. It is a sign of change, of long overdue equality and diversity in Hollywood, and a step in the right direction for representation in the media.
Set in the fictional African nation of Wakanda, five tribes set aside their war over vibranium – a fictional powerful metal – and unite after a heart-shaped herb affected by the vibranium created the first Black Panther. Living in harmony, even with the outsider Jabari tribe, Wakandans used their powers to conceal their nation from the rest of the world. While they flourished and excelled in technology and science, the world seen nothing other than a poor, struggling country.
Centuries on, the film picks up where Captain America: Civil War left off, as T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) returns home in the wake of his father’s death to assume the throne and his rightful powers of the Black Panther. When Jabari tribe leader, M’Baku (Winston Duke) challenges T’Challa for a shot at the throne, it is the first instance of the struggles T’Challa will have to face as King.
The peace of Wakanda and its people is challenged by notorious Ulysse Klaue (Andy Serkis), an arms dealer who knows the secrets of the Wakandans and their concealed success. With the help of ex-black ops soldier Erik “Killmonger” Stevens (Michael B Jordan), Klaue plans to sell stolen vibranium to the highest bidder.
Word of the return of Klaue hits Wakanda and T’Challa sets off with former lover and undercover spy, Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) and Okoye (Danai Gurira) leader of the Dora Milaje, an all-female special forces, to try to put a stop to Klaue once and for all. Not everything goes as planned, however, and T’Challa has to face Killmonger and the harsh truths of his Father’s past.
Black Panther, like any other Marvel film, is filled with excitement, thrills and the infamous Marvel humour. With great action, unexpected plot twists and every actor seemingly born to play their given role, this film would have been a success through those merits alone. But Director Ryan Coogler and team didn’t stop there.
The cinematography of the nation of Wakanda is awe-inspiring. The nations technology is impressive and unique to any other Marvel films, yet manages to stay true to African traditions. Not only that, but the technical advancements in the film are all thanks to Shuri (Letitia Wright), T’Challa’s sixteen year old sister. Having a female in such a male-dominated role is a rarity, yet fits in perfectly with Black Panther.
This film could have easily slipped into the pattern of being dominated by powerful male characters, yet there is a perfect balance between male and female characters. All female characters are just as powerful and respected as the males, and this is just another reason why Black Panther is so refreshing for its genre, and the film industry as a whole.
It is undeniable that Black Panther is different. The film stands out as not just an excellent Marvel installment, but a chance of great change and equality. Black Panther is exciting, gripping, smart, funny, and so much more. The film’s embrace of diversity has not gone unnoticed and offers more than great entertainment for its audience.
Director: Ryan Coogler
Writers: Ryan Coogler, Joe Robert Cole
Stars: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o
- Black Panther (2018) - 6th March 2018
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I think it was like Klaue said, this was supposed to be the real City of Gold, and some people (chosen lucky people) were allowed to know of its existence. Those people would be able to interact with the outside world and bring their influences into Wakanda. But what is interesting is that there was no immigration allowed, until the end of course. That is what I think will be fun for the MCU writers, a “gone public Wakanda will now allow immigration and will start to spread its influence throughout the world in a big way. Where they go with that, I think, is the question.