THE RISE OF THE KING

Long live the king! Long live the king! Long live the king!

I walked into the theater chanting, and I walked out of the theater enchanted and awed! Black Panther, one of the most hyped movies of the year, satisfyingly lived up to, and in some cases exceeded the hype. From the first moment to the last, there was something to marvel at, something to laugh at, something to cry at, and something to cheer for. It is the kind of film audiences will love for years to come, a film that brings its A-game on all fronts – drama, action, and romance.

(Credit: Marvel Studios)

Why it matters

I am not black but this movie means more to me as a woman of color than I can possibly describe. Before the events of November 4th, 2016, I lived my life in a comfortable bubble that allowed me to observe the misdeeds and misfortune of human kind from a safe distance. With the election of the 45th president of our nation, that bubble burst. I had to suddenly face the harsh reality that in this world, and in this country, despite any notions I may have had to the contrary, I was seen as a person of color first and a person later. Suddenly, I found myself face to face with my brownness and terrified to trust the white people around me. Suddenly, I found my eyes wide open to every bit of hardship, pain, and suffering, and completely unable to look away. Suddenly, I found myself unable to justify, explain, or accept the racism and bigotry that was put on full flagrant display, no longer concealed behind genial smiles and insincere comments. Suddenly, I found myself drowning in vacillating waves of rage and sorrow. Suffice to say that coming to terms with what my brownness meant for my future was, and continues to be, a marathon run uphill in the middle of a bomb cyclone.

So when the hype around this film started to build in the weeks and months leading up to its release, my hopes for the soul of humanity started to rise. The success of a film like Black Panther would mean that the debate over the commercial viability of a film centered on a colored cast and a colored story would be put to rest forever. It would mean that we, people of color, are here to stay, that we have incredible stories to tell and to be told about us, that we have a unique voice and the right to use it, and that our stories resonate with the world just as much as white stories do. Black Panther met that challenge and won the fight with a resounding battle cry.

I am not black, but Black Panther is a film that I connect with on multiple levels. It is a film, a story, a character, a country that gave me a glimpse of what my homeland, India may have been had it and we as a people not been robbed and suppressed by centuries of colonization. To me, Black Panther represents the rallying roar of the black people of this nation urging all people of color to raise our voices, show our hearts, our strengths, and to finally, openly, proudly join the fight for our rights.

Why it’s good

The fact that Black Panther has already made over $1 Billion globally in four weeks should tell you how good this film is and how much it is being loved by audiences the world over. But to break it down for you, I will be rating the film on the attributes of Visual Treatment, Storyline, Cast & Crew, and Relevance & Impact.

Visual Treatment – 9/10

(This attribute covers cinematography, costume design, hair and makeup, props, sets, stunts, and special effects.)

Without a doubt, the films most notable feature is its visual design. From the cinematography to the costumes, from the stunts to the special effects, the visual appeal and impact of this film is top shelf. The cinematography, sets, props, and special effects come together to build a sweeping vista of a heavily forested land that has been ethically urbanized for a people like the Wakandans. The costumes, hair, and makeup provide a fashion week level extravaganza while building the Afro-centric look of the film. The stunts and special effects work in perfect harmony to balance T’Challa’s humanity with his superhero strength.

The stand out here is the costume designer for the film, Ruth E. Carter, designer for films such as Selma and The Butler, who did months of research into the various tribes of Africa and drew inspiration from their cultures and clothes to inform her designs for the tribes of Wakanda. Her attention to detail paid off in a stunning display of strong African colors, clothing, and Afro-futuristic designs. My favorite design moment in the film was Okoye undercover at the Korean club! That scene is a must see.

Storyline – 8/10

(This attribute covers aspects related to the story itself, including world building, character building, plot, and script)

Wakanda as a nation and player in global politics is well constructed with depth and heart. The characters that make up the core of the story each display an inspiring and relatable arch through the frames, none more heartbreaking than Killmonger himself. The script is fun, fast paced, and at times surprisingly succinct in calling out the problems ailing the modern world.

Though the film is an outstanding performer in all other areas, for me it falls a little short of the mark on plot. When I watch a film, any film, I expect to be surprised, I expect to be kept guessing, and I expect to not be able to predict the different plot points. The reveal of Stirling K Brown’s character background and how it ties into significant character arcs was the only surprise through the hundred and thirty five minutes long saga.

Cast & Crew – 9/10

(This attribute covers the human aspects of the film, including casting, acting, directing, editing etc.)

Of course the strongest asset of the film is the cast and the crew. Ryan Coogler proves himself

to not only be an authentic director with clear vision and the ability to deliver, but also an artist with the heart of a quiet revolutionary. The subtle ways in which this film draws parallels between the life and experiences of T’Challa and Killmonger serves to enhance and expand the viewers' understanding of the volatile nature of race relations in America. Chadwick Boseman is damn near perfection as T’Challa, King of Wakanda. Every time he walked into a scene, my heart lept and my breath stopped. Finally, here is a leader I would follow into war. In all honesty, as much as I love Cap, and Stark, neither is a true leader. Both are too flawed to be effective in the long term. To me T’Challa is also the heir apparent to lead the Avengers.

(Credit: Williams + Hirakawa for Time)

That said, the actor and character that stole the whole show from the first scene is Danai Gurira as Okoye, the general of the Dora Milaje. She commanded every scene, displayed vulnerability and strength, kicked a tone of ass, and did so with integrity, and grace. I’m not going to lie, I may have a bit of a girl crush on Danai!

(Credit: Kawaku Alston + Marvel Studeios)

Relevance & Impact – 10/10

This movie is all relevance and impact. The time is ripe for a mainstream superhero blockbuster featuring a black majority cast to break down the stereotypes, break through the barriers, and emerge as an inspiring ideal for people of color everywhere. This film, its characters, and its actors are going to be the template that young boys and girls of color emulate. And what a fine template it is. Shuri, the princess of Wakanda, and sister to T’Challa is likely to be an extremely popular cosplay choice this year for girls the world over. I also absolutely love that Shuri is considered the smartest person in the entire MCU, beating out Tony Stark AND Bruce Banner. If that isn’t inspiring, I do not know what is!

Verdict

Just do it people! Go watch this film. It is worth every minute and every penny! Long live the king! Wakanda forever!