Film Review – “Black Panther”

Devin Miller

Marvel Studios “Black Panther” earned a total of $1,346,800,000 worldwide. In addition, this film broke records at the global box office with a total of $1.23 billion in just 26 days. ​

Director Ryan Coogler and writer Joe Robert Cole of “Black Panther,” chose to focus on the storyline of Wakanda: a fictional untouched space of colonialism in Africa working under its own circumstances while life throws challenges in the Wakandan people’s way.

I personally enjoyed the appreciation and research done in preparation in order to get correct information and be respectful towards the cultures of civilizations similar to Wakanda. The way of dress, speech and lifestyle were all modeled after real places. But in line with the ways of Hollywood, Wakanda needed something more. Hence, the idea of a hidden location filled with hyper-advanced technology and modernity disguised as a small insignificant civilization.

This overall idea leads to the main question pertaining to Wakanda. Will the people of Wakanda focus on the importance of coveting their wealth and tell no one or use this information to bring justice to the oppressed people of Wakanda? Moreover, this question is a segway to exhibit the motivations of the main protagonist and antagonist in “Black Panther.”

Prince T’ Challa, played by Chadwick Boseman, serves as the protagonist in the film. After returning home, Prince T’ Challa defeats M’ Baku, the leader of the Jabari, in order to be crowned as king and earning the title as The Black Panther.

Prince T’ Challa showcases strength, courage and belief during this battle. Additionally, the character defeats the character vs. self type of conflict later on in the film. After defeating death and coming back to life, Prince T’ Challa makes the brave decision to encourage and now protect the people of Wakanda and overcome his tested judgement of both improvement and worthiness.

Erik Killmonger, played by Michael B. Jordan, serves as the antagonist. Of Wakandan blood but born poor in New York, Killmonger feels that the people of Wakanda have betrayed those outside of its walls by hiding their technology. Therefore he wants the Wakandan throne and decides to challenge Prince T’ Challa in order to become the newest Black Panther. After winning the fight between himself and Prince T’ Challa, Killmonger heaves Prince T’ Challa into the waterfall and is named The Black Panther. Later on in the film, Erik Killmonger discusses with N’Jobu, played by Sterling K. Brown, and finds the truth about his family and his past he discovers that his father was killed by his uncle: the previous king and T’ Challa’s father. Unfortunately Erik Killmonger goes through several types of conflict, for instance, character vs. self conflict and character vs. character conflict. But in its entirety, the character development exhibited throughout the film was shown with Erik Killmonger challenging Prince T’ Challa; helping T’ Challas strengthen the mold of his protagonist character.

The graphics throughout this film were extraordinary. The overall vision for realistic aspects shown in scenes were most displayed through landscapes: waterfalls, canyons and city markets, etc. Additionally, the character’s costume design and layout as a whole was extremely well thought out.

Because of the fantastic design, character development and excellent concept,  I feel that Marvel Studios “Black Panther” served as an excellent way to blend the culture, history, the advancement of modernity and technology. Overall, I would give Marvel Studios “Black Panther” 10 out of 10 bags of popcorn.