Movie Review: Black Panther

With Black Panther, Director Ryan Coogler has perhaps his biggest break-through in movies, surpassing the awe-inspiring Creed he produced in 2015. Disney’s choice in producing this film could not have enforced the importance of black history month any better. This was the first Marvel movie with a cast that is majority black. It had a sumptuous budget of $200 million, and the movie did not fail to reach its big buck milestone, passing it’s growth of $700 million after week two.

The advanced kingdom of Wakanda is a technologically advanced city located in a secret realm hidden from European colonization outside of civilization, in the country of Rwanda. It is proves it’s superior science with its use of “the strongest metal in the world”, vibranium, that sets it apart from other nations. This is the same ore that Captain America uses for his invulnerable shield, and if you know anything about it, you could figure the value in vibranium.

Wakanda is ruled by kings of royal blood, so T’Challa, the actual Black Panther himself, is coronated as king after his father dies at the beginning of Captain America: Civil War. T’Challa is a humble, attractive, kind-hearted character who is easy to admire.

The superhero would not be nearly as powerful without his genius sister Shuri, creator of Wakanda’s exclusive vibranium technology and arguably the best character in the movie. Her millennial wit is exemplified when she looks at her brother’s sandals and said the iconic “what are thooooose!” Nakia is also T’Challa’s on-and-off lover, adding an extra romantic spark to the action packed film.

Both African women break stereotypes and will do anything for their country. Wakanda’s people are progressive and prosperous, but the movie still recognizes the importance of the African diaspora’s setbacks, such as colonization and imperialism.