BLACK PANTHER REVIEW
March, 18 2018
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is known for its action-packed, entertaining characters, but Black Panther becomes a very strong standalone movie, perhaps the strongest one yet.
This film has a strong combination of focuses not only a strong main character, but the side characters were equally as memorable. Female empowerment is strongly conveyed especially in the characters' position of powers and personality. But the film is not just amazing due to its representation and diversity.
The plot follows Prince T'Challa after his father's death in Infinite Wars and how he manages to handle the loss of his father, hold on to the Wakandan throne as well as being its protector as Black Panther.
Wakanda is a Marvel-created country in Africa, which hides away their advancements in technology in fear that it could fall into the wrong hands. Arms dealer Ulysses Klaue with the help of Erik Killmonger who is a soldier, who knows a lot about Wakanda's civilisation, aim to get a hold of the technology.
T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman) seems to be a reserved character, but he is by far one of the most mature Marvel heroes we have seen yet. He is not the character to go making too many reckless moves.
He struggles to balance the Wakandan traditions while deciding the kind of leader he will become. He holds an idealised image of his father, wishing to be a wise leader like him but this view will be challenged throughout the movie.
Wakanda is a place which brings futurism while still maintaining the traditional tribal culture, with each tribe or superior, had their own sense of unique fashion. Ruth Carter, the costume designer had stuck to her vision of beautiful, positive, forward, colourful fashion.
The essence of Wakana is captured. It's pride in tradition and their forward-thinking outlook, as they are one of the highest technologically developed places in the world.
Not many Marvel films are based on other worlds besides Guardians, but the world building for Wakanda is stunningly beautiful.
You see more than just the capital of Wakanda you get a feel in different tribe territories. Animal imagery relates back to African masks and symbolism.
Sweeping camera angles guide you through the Wakandan history, which is creatively illustrated created through grains of sand.
High paced action scenes include car pursues in South Korea showing the film is not limited to Wakanda. Black panther puts a spin on the usual car chase, making it entertaining to watch.
Modern and traditional are also captured in the film's music score. The use of world music in the spiritual, surreal scenes, yet modern, diverse tracks, blending genres such as Kendrick's style of trap, Korean hip hop and drum and bass. Talents appear on the official soundtrack King's Dead by Jay Rock, Future, James Blake and Kendrick Lamar.
Lamar further collaborated with upcoming star SZA was featured in All the Stars and The Weeknd with Pray For Me .
The relationships feel very natural on screen, however, the romance aspect is subtle and mature which is pleasant.
By his side is Nakia, a spy played by Lupita Nyong'o. She is not your typical love interest. Her relationship with T'Challa is complicated and both argue over Wakanda's isolationism.
Okoye is dedicated but honour bound general played by Danai Gurira. She is general of the Dora Miolaje, the elite female bodyguard unit that protects Wakanda. Her honour and loyalty are continuously tested and she never once acts out of character.
T'Challa's witty younger sister, Shuri is played by Letitia Wright. She is highly depended on for technological knowledge by helping to develop her brother's suits. She doesn't often fight but she can hold her own ground.
Empowerment of race and gender shine through instantly, but the depth that the film's plot goes through is praiseworthy. It challenges everything T'Challa had thought and turned it into the better. He learns to leave the past and start to look towards the future leading to strong progression of his ideas. This movie is worth a watch as this is by far one of the best Marvel films in existence.