BLACK PANTHER
Black Panther has been out for over a month now and if you have not seen it yet ... WHAT ARE YOU DOING?? This film is hands down one of the best in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and allows non-Marvel fans to understand, love, thoroughly enjoy a comic book movie. Ryan Cooler, the director, did an excellent job grasping the imagination of Afrofuturism and combining it with the reality of the modern world. Coogler has also directed on other audience favorites, such as Creed and Fruitville Station (which both star Michael B. Jordan). From beginning to end, BP was engaging, comical, jaw-dropping, heart-clasping, and for many people like myself found it to be refreshing. Some key factors, that I would like to touch on, that moved me and really allowed me love this movie are the visuals and sound, realistic characters and the overall importance of this movie.
*** SPOILER ALERT*** will discuss scenes and content from the movie .... you have been warned
VISUALS AND SOUND
When the film begins, you hear two voices, a man and his young son. The father is telling the son about to history of Wakanda and the protector of their country, The Black Panther. In this scene, there are various forms of shapes and colors, flowing smoothly with the words of the father. Its mesmerizing and pulls the audience into the telling of this ancient civilization. The use of complex shapes and colors is used throughout the movie, my personal favorite being when T'Challa enters Warrior Falls and the tribes are there to celebrate him. I also loved how each tribe had a distinct color, animal, as well as different African tradition such as (my favorite) the plate-lip. The cultural aspect of the movie was 100% prevalent and unapologetically African.
As far as the sound of this film goes, it COMPLETELY amazes me. The Black Panther Original Score was created by Ludwig Gorannsson, and like I stated before about the cultural aspect of the visuals, it is also imprinted in the sound. Each track on the score is infused with African percussion and occasionally a chorus to add drama to the scene on screen. I truly believe Black Panther should win a 2019 Oscar for Best Score (at least a nomination). I have been playing it non-stop. Two words to sum it up? Electric. Powerful.
REALISM OF CHARACTER
One thing that added to my admiration for this movie was its ability to create three dimensional complex characters, relatable and loveable to everyone who sees it. The opposing sides views are not only understandable but can be justified and comprehensive. Whether the views agreed with T'Challa and Killonger, Nakita and Okoye (regarding to honoring the throne), or W'kabi and his allegiance to Wakanda, each argument was thought out. As a viewer, you are torn between two ideologies that can both be rightfully true.
T'Challa undergoes a strong character development. From being a man who wishes to keep the secrets of his country, to becoming a King who knows it is not only better for Wakanda but necessary for this advanced country to help the rest of the world. He has to balance being King of his country as well as facing the problems he faces within himself. He realizes the mistakes of the past, and chooses to change them because of the evolution of the world.
Eric Killmonger can be debated as one of the best Marvel villains to date. His plan was easy to understand, and some may even argue that his plan was reasonable. Wakanda has this advanced community, why not share to people who are oppressed? People who undergo discrimination on a daily? I can honestly say that Michael B. Jordan absolutely killed this role! The demeanor and personality of Killmonger that Jordan was able to embody is both terrifying and intriguing.
The women of this movie were so powerful, beautiful, intelligent, innovative, witty... the list goes on. It was so refreshing and exhilarating to witness black women in such roles. None were whitewashed or seen as inferior to the men. Both sexes were on equal playing fields when it came to political stance, battle and every aspect of Wakandan culture.
Shuri, the 16-year-old, genius, clever sister of T'Challa was my all time favorite. Not only does she build and make improvements on his suits, most of the technology in Wakanda is developed BY HER!! Shuri provided laughter, a sense of family and inspiration to the audience.
Nakia, Okoye, and the Dora Milaje are some BAADD WOMEN! The word independent is an understatement when it comes to them. They balance love for others and love for their country in a way that is realistic and true. They all take pride in who they are, their capabilities, their country and their King.
REPRESENTATION
It is more than safe to say that, Black Panther has shown Hollywood and the world that movies with a strong People of Color cast can do amazingly well in the box office. Currently the movie has made over $780 Million!!! If that doesn't tell you how talented and amazing diverse directors and actors are, then I dont know what to tell you!
But most importantly, this movie is creating an element where the black youth get the opportunity to see a reflection of themselves on screen, as well as how strong they are and can be. Boys are able to see themselves as Kings and warriors. Girls see themselves as powerful women who are equal to their male counterparts. And NOWHERE in the film are these men and women seen as inferior to another race or less attractive than another race. It truly warms my heart to see these kids portray these lively characters with such pride and admiration. This movie is important for this time period and the current generation we are helping raise.
WAKANDA FOREVER!!!
Thank you so much for reading! I know this one kind of lengthy but this movie was 11/10! Who was your favorite character? What was you favorite line? What scene stood out the most to you?? Let me know! Hope to see you all next time you chill with Ash!