So, there is no surprise that I loved Black Panther.
My biggest fear was that I was so hyped for the film that my high expectations were going to ruin it for me. I loved Creed and thought Ryan Coogler did an amazing job, so when I heard he would be directing and co-writing I was super excited. And then the hype came, and everyone was talking about it for months. So that set my expectations on another level, but I was not disappointed. I’ve seen the film three times this weekend and I’m pretty sure I’ll be seeing it next weekend too.
Honestly, I’m not like some people who got upset when people had problems with the film or didn’t like the film at all. It actually annoyed me that people were mad that some critics didn’t give it a perfect score. Because nonetheless Black Panther is a film and when you’re telling people they can’t have an opinion on it because they’re not black, or if they are black you’re calling them a coon for not liking it, then you’re being ridiculous. All film is subjective no matter the topic. Everyone is not going to like something the same. It’s been plenty of things that I loved but other people dislike and that’s okay.
Besides, no one. And I mean no one. Not some racist white person, not some DC troll, not some “I’m too fucking woke to like this black person”, not even a critic could take away the joy and pride I felt when watching this film. I cried watching this film. Not because of the events that we’re taking place (I cried quite a few times because of the plot) but because it felt so amazing to see my people finally portrayed in a way where we’re not slaves or drug dealers. No, we’re not ignoring films like Blade or Hancock who had black leads, but the connection to black identity is not on the same scale as it is with Black Panther. Being a person of color, we’re always subjected to stereotypes and it’s frustrating. Yes. Some black people are loud and ghetto and as a black woman I’m proud of that. But it becomes frustrating when you only see portrayals of black women as loud and ghetto and when you realize they are trying to make you feel ashamed because of it. They never show how complex and different the black community is in terms of character and color.
As people of color, we know how much representation matters. And seeing strong black women with dark skin tones be partners and heroes next to a black man was amazing. T’Challa depended on the women around him, they did not depend on him. As for colorism issues, I’m always stuck in the middle on this. I really get upset when I see people tell people of lighter skin and mixed people that they are not black enough. Who are you to take someone’s identity away from them, especially when they are probably clinging onto that identity because white people are telling them they are not white enough. But I also understand the frustration of not being able to see black women on the screen of darker skin. This is so harmful to black girls not being able to see themselves. So, to see so many black women with darker skin depicted in such a beautiful and strong way brought me so much happiness.
I cried knowing how much color was on screen and behind the screen gave me so much joy. I even cried the second time I saw it.
So, speaking on a level of the film itself and outside of what it is doing for black people, I loved it. I’m just being honest too. I loved everything about it. I loved the characters. I loved that Ryan Coogler and Joe Robert Cole took the time to give all of their characters depth and purpose. So often, side characters are not people but just tools on the sideline to keep the plot going, but Coogler and Cole made sure all of their characters were people.
But though I had no problems with it, I guess I can see why people had some issues with it. Some people had problems with the CGI and I must admit that it did look a little weird at times. Some people had problems with pacing. I had no problems with it at all, but then again, some people like things to be more fast paced, while some people like things to be slower. It’s just an opinion, but for those who are purposely bashing the film because they have no lives, fuck them. Don’t allow anyone to take your joy away from this film. Let a troll be a troll and don’t feed their asses. Yes, some people are trying to rain on our parade, but I’m too happy to even give them any of my attention.
Either way, I hope to see this film have so much success and I can’t wait for the second one. I’m also excited to see what the Black Panther fandom has to show. In the MCU fandom in general, POC characters are often ignored. There isn’t much art or stories about characters like Sam and Rhodey even compared to other secondary white characters. So, I’m exited to see what’s to come with the fandom after this film.
