BLACK PANTHER
USA âą 2018
DIRECTOR: Ryan Coogler
GENRE: Action, Comic Book, Adventure, Superhero, Sci-Fi
FEATURING: Chadwick Boseman, Lupita Nyongâo, Michael B. Jordan, Danai Gurira, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Angela Bassett, Martin Freeman, Andy Serkis
MUSIC: Ludwig Göransson, with exclusive tracks by Kendrick Lamar, The Weeknd, SZA, Khalid
RUNNING TIME: 134 mins
Black Panther starts out as a film with its feet firmly planted in the MCU; there is a dramatic and mysterious opening set in the past, but it is when we turn to the present day - which is set only a day or two after the death of TâChaka (played by John Kani) in Captain America: Civil War - that the fun truly begins.
From the offset, we see that TâChalla (Boseman) is a strong character, acting both on his own morals and those he feels like he is compelled to follow as the new king of Wakanda. It is immediately apparent that this is a strong lead character who will be relatable, especially for people of colour. Similarly, the fact that this is a film which introduces us to a strong female character (Nakia, played by Nyongâo) who, is not only more than just a romantic point for the male lead (she is in fact his ex-girlfriend, which adds a fresh new dynamic Marvel have never truly touched upon before), but fulfils the Bechdel Test within the first 10 minutes of the film, makes the audience realise that this will be a film with a completely different tone and feel to all the others in the ever-expanding MCU.
The display of powerful women in a variety of noteworthy and key roles, supporting Boseman, does not stop with Nyongâo. Bassettâs character Ramonda shows how a woman can be powerful as a queen and be capable of making strong and important decisions herself, whilst still maintaining relationships with children and caring for people. The significance of having an all-female, black group of highly trained warriors, headed by Guriraâs character Okoye, is a highly commendable point. Not only does it show how black people can be strong, powerful, brave and inspirational, but also that it is possible for women to achieve these things too, without the aid of a man, when many have been subjugated to being told that they are not physically capable in real life. Black Panther directly challenges and disproves these gender stereotypes with such elegance and beauty. Furthermore, arguably the best character in the entire film is Shuri, played by relative newcomer Letitia Wright. She is witty, asking TâChalla âWhat are those?â in reference to his shoes, a nod to current pop culture, but also extremely intelligent and creative, as a young inventor in charge of all of Wakandaâs creations involving vibranium. The fact the producers and makers of the film have chosen to incorporate a young back girl into a STEM job, but also give her a likeable and three-dimensional character is especially noteworthy, as it will leave many young girls, but importantly, young girls of colour, feeling inspired that they too can be like this and they can emulate this character. The significance of this decision should not be understated, but rather heavily praised and celebrated.
There must however, be a stand-alone point made for Michael B. Jordanâs acting and portrayal of the main antagonist, Eric Killmonger. His acting skills in this film are especially strong and he does a noteworthy representation of a âbaddieâ who is actually a very conflicted character. Fans of Loki, and of Adrian Toombs in Spider-Man, should love and be able to sympathise with his character. His accuracy in portraying the anger felt by someone who has always been the victim of systematic racial oppression is on point, and it leaves the audience to question his motives - whether his decisions are made because he wants to be this way, or whether they come from a place of feeling like both he and his people have been mistreated at the hands of white people. His âbad desiresâ are clearly drawn parallel to the colonialism of the british Empire with the wholly intentionally striking quote âThe sun will never set on the Wakandan Empire!â. Subsequently, it means that the audience is not sure whether to dislike him or not, seeing as his anger is from external forces, from those of racism, but also from the anger which stems from the neglect of those around him, yet he clearly is set on making the wrong decisions. This topical, thought-provoking conflict is beautifully culminated and summed up when Killmonger states âBury me in the ocean, so I can be with the bodies of my people, who knew it was better to die than to be enslaved.â In fact, this line represents a large portion of the filmâs tone, about what is the right action to take in order to help fellow people who are suffering because of oppression. The whole film is relevant, political and should be watched simply for those reasons alone, even if one does not enjoy superhero films. Â
The plotline too, is just as strong. Coming from such a unique film in the MCU as Thor: Ragnarok, it could come across as reverting back to Marvelâs somewhat overdone and monotonous plotlines of previous films and years. But while still keeping to the tones and general structure of the original movies, it succeeds in having its own unique moments and plot with interesting turns, and a whole, important section that will come as a surprise to many, with Jordanâs character taking on a role that is very different to that of most villains in these film, both literally and figuratively. Similarly, the other key aspects of the film - think the suit, the tech e.t.c. - are all very different to those seen before. Instead of being shown more tech from Stark Industries, we are instead shown what can be done with vibranium (no doubt to tease avid fans for the upcoming Avengers: Infinity War and the possibility of Captain Americaâs new suit). The results are perhaps the best we have come across in the ten years that the MCU has been around. TâChallaâs suit is, personally, the best one we have ever seen, with its ability to hold and re-harness kinetic energy, making him virtually impossible to take down, exceptional. The tech that Shuri also creates is things which we have never seen before and it only leaves the audience more excited for what else is to come and what more she can create.Â
However, if there is to be one criticism of the film, it is in regards to Agent Ross (Freeman). this is a character who adds little to the film, and is somewhat unneeded. He does not add any interesting plotline, or extra dynamic, instead only seeming to be present as a plot point for Boseman to expand on. the film would still be as good as it is now if his character was not in it, and Freeman, and his character, left me feeling underwhelmed and opposed to see him return. Moreover, Freemanâs American accent is not great, and his whole character seems to be an unnecessary thorn in the side of an excellent film.
It would not be unusual for a large corporation to not put that much effort into producing a film which has such a large black cast, instead opting to give it a less-than adequate attempt, but it is evident through watching this film that that has not happened here. Marvel pull no punches when it comes to the fight scenes and the unusual, but no less spectacular, camera angles they employ, along with the shots of stunning scenery which only further celebrate Africa. It is hopefully an example to the rest of Hollywood as how to correctly portray a strong, all-black cast on the silver screen, that it is not necessary to cut corners and rather that an exceptional film can be made regardless of race of characters. The attention to detail in the representation of the backing cast is also extremely commendable, with there being people from many of Africaâs actual tribes in high positions, and overtly showing their heritage and culture. The costumes in all of their kaleidoscopic hues are mesmerising and they do extreme justice to the many different African cultures and styles found there today. In fact, the entirety of Wakanda and its impressiveness is a true image of what the world would be like if it had not been unnecessarily colonised - countries would be powerful and ruled by their own people, not tainted by European ideologies.
Furthermore, the soundtrack, which features stars such as Kendrick Lamar, The Weeknd, SZA, Khalid and more, is a testament to the skills and talents of black people. Each song perfectly encapsulates each mood it is emulating, only enhancing the scenes and the cinematic experience, as well as being, for lack of better terms, a bop.Â
Overall, this is one of the best Marvel films to come out in a long time. It is on par with Thor, despite being a completely different tone. It subtly, and not so subtly, reflects and focuses upon real and pressing issues, notably the end credit scene, and not only leaves people feeling glad that there is a new Marvel film in the style and with the finesse as the old ones, but also questioning the motives of the characters, and therefore their own actions and decisions in regard to race and its implications. By far the most important thing though, is that Marvel has created a stunning film, dripping with black excellence who not only kills it as characters, but as actors will leave a new generation of black children not knowing what it feels like to endure both lack of representation and poor representation of others of their race in the media. Instead, they will be inspired and believe that they too can be kings, or strong independent women, or smart in STEM jobs and still kill it; that they can prosper without the oppression of a white man. The Avengers have a new King indeed.
Overall rating: ââââ














