There are movies that are entertaining. There are movies that are brilliant. Then there are movies that are Revolutionary. Revolutionary in the sense that they can be all of these things, plus raise the bar as far as what we could and should expect a film to inspire and evoke from us as viewers. That being a level of complexity and forward thinking that has the ability to change the way we think, operate, see ourselves and see each other in the world. Black Panther is Revolutionary.
I had a chance to watch the film for the first time during the World Premiere at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles last week, had my eyes glued to the screen for the entire 2 hour and 14 minute film time, and joined the crowd in a well deserved standing ovation. Black Panther has been described as one of Marvel Studios best films yet and as any Marvel fan can attest to, that is not a small feat!
About the film
Writer-director Ryan Coogler (Fruitvale Station, Creed) takes on the challenge of bringing the first black superhero story to the big screen. If you’re a Marvel fan, you know that T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) was first introduced to audiences in Captain America: Civil War. In Black Panther, he returns home to take his late father’s position as the King of Wakanda. In this task, he’ll use his position as Wakanda’s guardian, Black Panther and king to defend the country against its longtime enemies.
Why Marvel’s Black Panther is one of the most revolutionary films of our time
The Importance of Representation
Black Panther is truly a movie of firsts in terms of representation. First, for the first time in history, audiences will see a movie with a black superhero. While the Black Panther was the first black superhero found in mainstream comic books, he has also been on almost every Marvel superhero team. This is the first time the world gets to see a black superhero as the standalone character on the big screen.
Another really important element of this film is the fact that its setting is a fictitious nation in Africa that’s also known to be the world’s leader in technology, intelligence and resources. I can’t begin to tell you how much it means to me, as a first generation Liberian-American, to see an entirely different portrayal of Africa than what’s usually portrayed in Hollywood. Just imagine the shift the perception western audiences can think of this beautiful continent!
Black Panther has already broken Marvel’s record for the highest grossing film in the first 24 hours of ticket sales, successfully breaking the myths that minority-led films don’t bring the best returns. I have no doubt that it will continue to be a success at the box office. Coincidentally (maybe), Black Panther is in theaters on Feb 16, which happens to be in the middle of Black History Month.
Two words: Girl Power
The women of Wakanda are among the fiercest, smartest, and all around most badass women you don’t get to see in many films. Just to give you an idea, these are 4 of the women who lead in Black Panther:
- Shuri (Letitia Wright) is T’Challa’s little sister and is the smartest person in Wakanda—the top scientist and the innovator behind the Black Panther’s updated suits and technology. I have no doubt that Shuri is going to be a new fan favorite!
- Okoye (Danai Gurira) is the head of the Dora Milaje, the all-female Wakandan Special Forces, and is the best fighter in Wakanda second to only Black Panther. She’s bald, beautiful and unapologetic as she challenges many stereotypes we see of women, particularly black women, on the big screen. She’s a superhero in her own right.
- Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) is a top Wakandan spy often imbedded in countries outside of Wakanda to observe and report back. As the love interest of T’Challa, she’s exudes a refreshing confidence and independence, proving the fact that beside every king there’s a queen.
- Ramonda (Angela Bassett) is T’Challa and Shuri’s mother and de facto advisor to the throne. As strong of a political force she is, she puts the well being of her children first.
Yes, Black Panther is technically the star of the movie, but you will find these women stealing many scenes.
- ©Marvel Studios 2018
Global responsibility
In true Marvel fashion, there is a multi-layered element to what T’Challa is tasked with, including an unlikely, but formidable enemy (Erik Kilmonger played by Michael B. Jordan) challenges him to the throne and brings about some important questions regarding what nations with great power could or should do to help the other, less fortunate nations of the world. Ironically, it also strangely brought to the forefront part of the source of an ongoing friction between Africans and African-Americans. I can’t elaborate on this too much because I don’t want to reveal any spoilers, but as you’re seeing the movie, you’ll see what I mean.
Themes that transcend beyond race, gender, creed and the many things that otherwise separate us
Yes, it’s a black superhero movie. Yes, it’s girl power gold. Yes, it’s set on the continent of Africa. However, it is truly a film that everyone can relate to and find a sense of belonging to. Of course, as a black woman and Liberian American, I felt a strong sense of pride in seeing people that looked like me, spoke in dialects I’m familiar with, and represented what I’ve always known about the continent I’ve descended from. However, I’ve also had the chance to hear the opinions of other people in the audience who don’t share my vantage point and they equally enjoyed the film for what it was able to illicit from their perspectives. Themes that include the desire to protect the things and people that matter to you, to challenge stereotypes, of feeling lost and trying to find your place in the world, and many more.
What to know before you see Black Panther
First, if you’re not a huge Marvel fan, take the time to watch Captain America: Civil War for a little bit of a background on Black Panther’s story. Also, check out these 13 little known facts about Black Panther to get you out of the dark!
Second, make sure you stay until the absolute last credit rolls through the screen. Do not, I repeat, do not walk out right after the movie ends. Marvel films always have extra snippets that appear after the credits start rolling. There’s a really big surprise at the very end!
Lastly, can you bring young kids to see Black Panther? I’ve heard some people raise concern about this being a little more on the violent side in terms of Marvel films. There are a few bloody scenes in the movie, which is likely what has earned it a rating of PG-13. Depending on your child’s sensitivity, the violence may be too much for kids under 10 or 11. There are no sex scenes and I counted only 1 curse word and a middle finger, however, so I’m personally comfortable letting my almost 9 year old see it with me.
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Feel free to ask me any other questions you have about this film and I’m glad to share any tips or info I can offer! Again, Black Panther is in theaters everywhere on 2/16. When you see it, please come back and let me know what you thought of it too!
Great write up Ari! I’m hype about going to see it as well.
Thank you so much Bernetta! I think this is one movie that really does live up to the hype.
Awesome article. Even more excited to see it…
Thank you! It was such a good movie. I’m sure you’ll love it!
I just finished up my review of the movie. and just like you i LOVED LOVED it so so much! This post rocks and I love your thoughts on representation as well as racial barriers broken. I’m definitely going to link this to my blog post. yes the women are all goddesses and Shuri is so frikkin EPIC!! I love her
My husband and I watched the Black Panther in the comforts of the CityMall Premier Cinema here in our city. We love the movie and the story. I just observed that Black Panther needed more emotion, not even facial expression, even just the eyes. Hopefully, we can see more of that in his future appearances.
I heard the movie was really good and have been meaning to watch it. I especially love that actor.
Great review and you’ve definitely sold me on going to see it. I love movie dates anyway. Thanks for sharing the tips, I never ever stay through the credits so this is really good to know!
Saw it at the weekend and absolutely loved it. I agree with you it touches on so many topics, but also can stand alone as an “action movie”. Female figures in positions of power just made it super special to me, we need more strong female characters.
It’s an amazing film that’s worth seeing. I love the fact that it represents a lot of things and it’s going to empower so many especially the young girls. I agree with everything you said!
Thanks for a well thought out, well written and thought provoking read. I like that you wrote this from a woman’s point of view #girlpower
If you haven’s already, you should check out Black Mirror on Netflix, it was there I discovered Shuri (Letitia Wright) and she blew my mind instantly. It was refreshingly exciting to see her in that same element, but heightened in Black Panther.
One thing I will add is, this movie also signifies hope…. hope that may reunite Africans and Americans.
I will definitely check out Black Mirror. Thanks for the tip!
I haven’t ever seen any Marvel films but this sounds fab. Your write up has really made me want to watch it! I’m tempted by a Cineworld Unlimited Pass so I’ll be watching this if I get one.
Ami xxx
I can not believe I am yet to see this awesome movie, I am so produ at how far the times have come to have all star black cast.
I want to watch this movie so badly! I am so late already and I have been carefully avoiding spoilers lol. Your post just made me even more desperate to watch it!
This is another film to add to my must watch list! I always like an exciting well done movie, so this is looking like it would be a great watch x
This movie is the truth. The cast is lovely and the story amazing. I am so proud of it
Wow that;s a bold statement! I have heard some great reviews for this film but it’s still not my kind of genre! My husband and our eldest are going this weekend!
Black panther seems like a great film and whilst I haven’t seen it yet myself, I know people who have and they enjoyed it. Those women sound awesome! Definitely on my to watch list.
After your comments on this movie, I think I’ll watch it. You know, I’m Italian and I’ve always wandered why, how is it possibile, that in a country where black people are a half (or more than a half)of population, black people are so little (and poorly) represented. I’ve always found it something unbearable in hollywood industry and that, in my opinion, doesn’t give a good portrait of the nation and its attitude towards black people. Even more so… can I ask you if all the cast is made up just by black people? I mean… hw comes in US movies black pope go with black people and white one with white ones. Why there’s hardly a love story between a black and a white persone (this never happens unless the movie is about racial themes). I’m really interested in your opinion
This is the first Marvel movie I’ve watched, and I must say I’m impressed with the story and the casting. I wish I read this review beforehand though because I didn’t know Black Panther has a background in Captain America: Civil War.
I still need to get out to see Black Panther. I love everything about the movie! It’s great to have a black superhero! I feel like this will be so great for young boys and girls.
I have been looking forward to Black Panther since the day I saw Civil War. For me, Black Panther stole the show when I saw that movie. I was excited to watch and learn all about this superhero. The movie was amazing and revolutionary and I’m so excited to have this exist right now!! I went into the movie basically knowing nothing about Black Panther and I was blown away by it. It was amazing.