Black Panther (2018)

‘Black Panther’ is representative of a cultural shift by signifying the unrepresented coming into the light of mainstream films with African-American culture at heart. All this is achieved by ‘Black Panther’ while operating as a standalone film that feeds into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which provides a relevant social message.

Wakanda as a driving force of the film is a utopia that entices the viewer to a country that is a real mix of African culture with the technology of the future. With great admiration and authenticity to the culture of Africa, the filmmakers, the production design, clothes, makeup and much more make the environment, and the tribes that reside in Wakanda feel real to the viewers.

The film builds upon our prior knowledge of Vibranium; while appearing on numerous occasions within the Marvel universe, here Vibranium’s cultural significance within the society of Wakanda becomes evident. Not only has it shaped their way of life it gives support to the palpable world that is weaved so skillfully through the storytelling. The use of innovative technology creates a unique spectacle and provides set pieces that set ‘Black Panther’ apart of not only its Marvel predecessors but films in general, and will inevitably have implications on the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the future.

Thankfully the real social relevance that has been absent in prior Marvel movies comes to light while continuing to deliver the excellent action, storytelling and humour. Ryan Coogler as the director must be praised for his use of colour to provide a visually delightful experience.

The relevant social commentary in the film relies on the characters, who question their view on what was wrong with their lives and nation before T’Challa’s reign as King of Wakanda. T’Challa’s development and arc in the film is dependant on him acknowledging the mistakes of previous generations and how he can resolve them. Undoubtedly the generations that came before him were damaging and the problems that they face transpires as a result of that. Chadwick Boseman shines in the role and manages to convey the themes of the film emotively with ease and confidence that solidifies him as a great superhero in this franchise.

His performance and the themes being conveyed are fortified by the outstanding supporting cast that additionally succeed to make an intense film. Those around him exploit an aura unique to their character which is a joy to behold and includes some characters that the audience can admire. Undeniably Wakanda relied on women to thrive and is the driving force of progress in a Wakandian society that improves on the lack of representation in other Marvel films and is a bright example for future films to follow in its footsteps.

The supporting cast doesn’t waste a moment on screen. Evidently, Andy Serkis had a blast reprising his role as Klaue, since his last appearance in ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron ’, who is incessantly entertaining. Another who is a welcome return is Martin Freeman’s Agent Ross who’s role is more extensive in ‘Black Panther’ than his stint in ‘Civil War’ and delivers a charming performance. That serves as the audience character from whom we can see the narrative of the story through his eyes, and just like us, he is an outsider to Wakanda.

Michael B. Jordan as Erik Killmonger is the character that signifies the need for change in Wakanda whose motives and beliefs, members of the audience could agree with yet see that he’s acting on those beliefs in the wrong way. Unlike many of the characters in the film he was not raised in the safety of the protected and shielded environment of Wakanda, he was raised in America where he dealt with racial problems as a child, and as an adult question the isolation of Wakanda and their refusal to help others outside of the nation. Killmonger compels the characters to ascertain their weaknesses and evaluate their culture and way of life, which is an integral theme of the film and is significant in the final act. Michael B Jordan’s charismatic performance is compelling and subsequently why he is one of Marvel’s greatest antagonists thus far.

‘Black Panther’ is a milestone in cinematic history for an abundance of reasons including a hero that could represent the World and is entrenched in the Culture and history of Africa, the role of women being central to the most technologically advanced country on the planet and a nod to the origins of man. While partaking in an overarching storyline of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it functions as an excellent standalone film whose cultural significance will last for an eternity.