Marvel's Black Panther: Introduction to Wakanda

             

                Marvel’s Black Panther is the 18^th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film is directed by Bay Area native Ryan Coogler (Fruitvale Station, Creed), who also co-wrote the screenplay. And it seems to me that because Coogler is from the Bay, he must always slide at least one scene set in the Bay Area; this time it’s Oakland.

                T’Challa The Black Panther made his cinematic debut in in 2016’s Captain America Civil War where his father T’Chaka King of Wakanda was killed in the terrorist bombing that set off a chain of events that would change many of our favorite characters forever. While this is important information, it does not actually impact the plot of this film; as such it is a footnote within the dialogue. And while the film does have characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Black Panther is here to tell you the story of Wakanda and its people.

The Ingredients:

Only three of the main characters have been seen in previous Marvel films. Returning as T’Challa is Chadwick Boseman (Captain America Civil War, 42), Martin Freeman (Bilbo Baggins from The Hobbit Trilogy of films) resumes his role as Agent Everett Ross from Captain America Civil War, and

the incomparable Andy Serkis (War for the Planet of the Apes, Avengers Age of Ultron) returns as weapons dealer Ulysses Klaue.

New stars to the Marvel Universe (and hopefully many future returning) include Danai Guriri (The Walking Dead), Michael B. Jordan (Creed), Lupita Nyonga (12 Years a Slave),

Forest Whitaker (Star Wars Rogue One), Daniel Kaluuya (Get Out), Letitia Wright (Black Mirror: Black Museum),

Winston Duke (Person of Interest), Sterling K. Brown (This is Us)

and even film icon Angela Bassett (Whats Love Got to do With it).

To be paired with:

As mentioned in some dialogue, the events of Captain America Civil War occur one week prior to Black Panther. So if you were to pair this film with another for viewing enhancement, I would recommend Captain America Civil War to start; in which Black Panther does play a major role and the events of that film do provide a lot of good backstory for where our main character is and where the Marvel Universe stands.

The Story:

Now back to the story; T’Challa is returning home to Wakanda and must assume the throneand his duties as king from his late father King T’Chaka. After a ceremony involving the five tribes of the nation, T’Challa begins his duties immediately with a mission. It turns out that weapons dealer Ulysses Klaue has been stealing Wakanadan Artifacts which are made of vibranium. For those that don’t know, vibranium is the most valuable metal in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It is what Captain America’s shield is made of and is nearly indestructible. T’Challa’s council learn of a meeting in which this vibranium will be sold and decides to infiltrate and extract

both Klaue and the stolen vibranium.

Accompanying him on the mission is the General of his armies, head of security, and leader of the Dora Milaje (the Black Panther’s personal body guards) Okoye. Also accompanying him is member of the Dora Milaje and former lover of T’Challa: Nakia. Form here is where the film really gets exciting.

What to enjoy:

Much like all of the Marvel films, Black Panther does not play as a typical superhero picture. In this film we have a king that has elements of a James Bond. His sister Shuri is the smartest scientist in Wakanda and head of his technology division; she acts as his Q and gives him his gadgets. Being the head of a nation, he is rich and dresses in clothing that is both exotic and refined.

But unlike James Bond he also knows the value of life and in many instances refuses to kill, even when his General Okoye will kill without hesitation like a good warrior. And T’Challa will always attempt to resolve issues diplomatically, like a good king, before resorting to violence. And then there is Chadwick Boseman’s performance. Always calm, cool, always keeping his rage in check so as to never lose the advantage in any situation. It is very obvious that both Coogler and Boseman put forth a lot of thought into making T’Challa not just a black superhero, but a complicated character who plays like a real person.

Then there is the world building of Wakanda.

Not just the spectacular visuals that make up the golden city, but also the culture. In the visuals we see the perfect mix of jungle and metropolitan displaying that the Wakandans not only hold to their traditions, but also embrace the advantages of technology. In the beginning of the film we are told the story of how five tribes would eventually band and rise together to form a nation.

But their advanced technology and government also gave them pride. And that pride led to a nationalism so strong that the nation has become isolated from the rest of the world. This creates a divide in the people. Those who would wish to share their advances and lift the world to a better place. And those who would remain secluded keeping their greatness pure and safe from the rest of the world. And this theme is woven throughout the story as we see each character reveal their true motivations with the progression of the story.

But the film is not all philosophy and politics. There are base human emotions at play as well that make up the most engaging parts of the film. In particular one character’s pursuit for vengeance and the reason for their heavy resolve. The reveal of this particular character’s back story was enough to really inspire emotions and sympathy from me. And this is for the “villain” of the film. Not since Loki in Thor have I felt such empathy for an antagonist.

And then there is the action. The hand to hand combat is very well done, especially with the character of Okoye. And it should be no surprise for Walking Dead fans to see Danai being so deft at kicking butt. I am unashamed to say that she is without a doubt the most bad ass character in this film and I cannot wait to see her return for Avengers Infinity War. And then Ryan Coogler brings us what I think may be our first long take action scene in a Marvel Cinematic Universe film. See for yourself when the stuff hits the fan at a casino in Korea. Guns, spears, fists and kicks are all over the place in that intense action sequence.

In closing:

It is not lost on me that this is Black History Month and a lot of people will be going to see Black Panther in support of it being the first Cinematic Marvel Black Superhero. And while that is important, I say side step that political reasoning. The fact is Black Panther is a good film with an engaging story that just checks all the boxes for what you want to see from a good movie. And yes it seems like Wakanda will play heavily in Avengers Infinity War as seen in the trailers, but for now this Black Panther’s time.

 

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