Sunsets in Black Panther
Can I just say I really appreciate the symbolism of change sunsets hold in Black Panther? The film establishes their significance early in the story, but it really holds out till the end. At first I heavily associated sunsets with Erik Killmonger/N’Jadaka, but the more I thought about the more I realized sunsets relate to the overall story, and especially King T’Challa.
The first time we get to see the Ancestral Plane is a great experience because it contrasts so heavily with the fight scene that preceded it. It’s dark, the night sky is beautiful, it’s serene and sacred. It’s also a touching scene where T’Chaka gives some advice to T’Challa. This represents Wakanda. Wakanda is new to us, the Audience, and we are mystified by its beauty. It’s dreamy, but it’s also a dream, it’s no coincidence this scene takes place at night. The second time we’re faced with the Ancestral Plane, T’Challa has returned to scold his ancestors and weep not only over Killmonger, but the world.
This scene takes place in daylight. It is a stark, harsh difference from the peaceful night scene we saw before. This is a pretty big awakening, the illusion of peace and perfection is gone. Wakanda has its issues, and its king is calling for change!
Erik plays a big role in this sunset/change symbolism. We learn from his visit to the Ancestral Plane that his father N’Jobu told him of the beautiful sunsets in Wakanda (“The sunsets there are the most beautiful in the world”) and that he feels guilt over what has become of Erik (“ Well look at what I’ve done…I should’ve taken you back long ago”) This scene signifies N’Jobu having regrets over not being able to show his son a different world, that there is another reality besides what Erik was faced with. N’Jobu was not able to show his son an alternative and raised him with the same burning frustration and despair that comes with the struggles of being Black in America. ( I do not think it’s a coincidence that N’Jobu’s first scene also takes place at night, though it has a much different feeling than the Ancestral Plane’s night time. The atmosphere of two men talking about guns and getaway cars at night is intentional.) No wonder N’Jobu would like to show these sunsets to Erik. But! Erik has not seen these Wakandan sunsets yet. His father mentions them in his scene with his son, and Erik recalls this after he is wounded (“Can you believe that? A kid from Oakland walking around, believing in fairytales”) but they are just that to him, fairytales. He doesn’t believe in this change, this ‘tomorrow’ that will be different or better than the present, his vision is the same as his fathers, a vision of a violent weapon fueled revolution. After his night in the Ancestral Plane, he sits on his throne and says, “The sun will never set on the Wakandan empire.” But, like T’Challa decided, things must change, and like the setting and rising of the sun, they do.
In Erik Killmonger’s last scene T’Challa takes him to the cliff to watch the sunset, and Killmonger comments, “It’s beautiful.”
It’s a pretty powerful scene! That whole ending scene is incredibly impactful! And, might I add that the soundtrack behind it is “A King’s Sunset.” Not only is it N’Jadaka’s ending, but T’Challa’s real beginning as a King, and the turning point for Wakanda and the world! T’Challa opens up Wakanda to the rest of the world, he and Nakia have agreed that they must help others, and he begins this change right where it all started… Erik’s apartment. In the daylight. A great juxtaposition to N’Jobu’s death in the night.
All in all…I’m just still so impressed with Black Panther and I think it’s rad.
Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk.
