“Black Panther” is a beautiful blend of culture and cinema coming together to make a remarkable film. Even while attaining superhero status, the film manages to exemplify and celebrate African culture. With a cast comprised almost entirely of African Americans, “Black Panther” has accomplished something great that no superhero film has done before.
In a world of cinema comprised mainly of white actors, directors, and writers, underrepresentation in film appears far too often. So with a movie like “Black Panther,” not only is it an incredible visual experience, but a wonderfully diverse film. It is written by African- Americans Ryan Coogler and Joe Robert Cole and directed by the former, and it includes a genuinely African inspired score by Ludwig Göransson, who traveled to the continent for a month just for the film. Intertwining with real African instruments, the soundtrack also comes with original songs by Kendrick Lamar.
Breaking new ground in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), “Black Panther” provides not only African-American representation, but true African-American role model characters. The film features brilliant portrayals of leadership, incredibly strong female characters, and bold themes of maturity throughout the course of the movie.
As T’Challa (Black Panther), played by Chadwick Boseman, becomes king of the fictional technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda, he struggles to fill the shoes of his tragically murdered father T’Chaka and ultimately please the citizens of his kingdom. Throughout the film, as T’Challa’s character evolves, he must learn what it means to rule and the sacrifices that must be made. Even from the very beginning, “Black Panther” explores concepts of how humans must cope with death. That could be difficult for younger viewers, but the film deals with it in a very professional and well crafted manner. As T’Challa moves forward to become a leader, his expression of initiative provides a true example for viewers regardless of age or race.
Besides incredible leadership portrayal, “Black Panther” is full of empowering female characters. Viewers not only follow T’Challa, but also his comical younger sister Shuri, who is in charge of inventing and advancing Wakandan technology. Shuri, played by English actress Letitia Wright, manages to contribute to her country’s most impressive asset, be a skilled fighter, and join her brother in his quest. In addition to Shuri, T’Challa travels alongside Nakia and Okoye, played by Lupita Nyong’o and Danai Gurira, respectively. Both women play fiercely talented and skilled fighters. Wright also commented on just one of the film’s aspects of its significance in an interview with “Nerdist News.”
“I hope this film, being one of the first of its kind, can really open a door. You don’t just go and watch it and just let your dreams die. I want young people to go and watch it and feel inspired and feel like they can do anything,” Wright said.
“Black Panther” is a true celebration of civilization. From powerful characters, coupled with a great storyline, all set to an amazing score, it defies the odds of what a superhero movie can be. Breaking the chains of the MCU, “Black Panther” provides a genuinely enriching experience for viewers from all walks of life. Above all, however, the movie provides powerful and legitimate representation for African-Americans around the world in the areas of superheroes and cinema.