Finally watched Black Panther and it lived up to the hype. The movie was awesome (and that’s understating it).
Earlier this year, Black Panther surpassed Captain America: Civil War and Batman vs Superman to become the most anticipated superhero film of all time going by the pre-ticket sales. And for good reason, it is after all the first predominantly black super hero film. Directed by Ryan Coogler, the story begins shortly after the events of Captain America: Civil War when Prince T’challa, played by Chadwick Boseman, returns to Wakanda to assume his place on the throne after his father’s death.
Wakanda, which is composed of five tribes, is the most technologically advanced country in the world due to the possession of an alien metal called vibranium. The vast riches of the country are however, are unknown to the rest of the world as they pose as a third world country who’s main economic activity is farming. They do this in order to avoid invasion and colonization by Western nations and to protect their knowledge and way of life.
T’Challa’s assumption of power isn’t without its challenges, and this comes in the form of Killmonger, played by Micheal B. Jordan, who threatens to take over the throne and expose Wakanda to the rest of the world.
The idea for a Black Panther movie started in 1992 when Wesley Snipes pitched to Colombia Pictures to make a film that portrayed the richness of Africa to counter the stereotype of death and disease. It was until 1997 that the movie was slotted in by Marvel as part of the comics in that would be adapted into film. Production would start ten years later in 2017.
I have no qualms about this film, except the vague ‘African accent’ the characters speak. The film follows the archetype of most superhero movies where good eventually reigns over evil. What I admired about the writing of the story was that, despite taking on this familiar arc, it managed to tell it in a way I hadn’t expected. You expect a happy ending yes, but the journey to this eventual destination doesn’t feel like a worn, ‘I’ve seen this a thousand times before type of journey. Black Panther avoids cliche in every way. I have watched movies that claim to champion representation but fail miserably because their characters ended up being tropes.
In Black Panther, both Nakia, played by Lupita Nyong’o and Okoye, played by Danai Gurira, are in love but they are loyal to Wakanda above all else. It was refreshing to see female characters who’s identities, strengths, and/or weaknesses were not pegged on their significant others.
The costume and cinematography was great and the fight scenes riveting. The soundtrack, composed by Kendrick Lamar is amazing as well. Black Panther is a must watch.
Pro tip; Check out the exclusive 48 seater VIP theater at Garden City Mall. Book your ticket here patahapa.com and thank me later because the experience is like no other.