Promotional poster for “Black Panther”, which was released by Marvel Studios on Feb. 16. The film is set in the fictional country of Wakanda in Africa, and its approach to international racial politics was barrier-breaking. Photo Fair Use of IMDb
Marvel Studios’ newest film, “Black Panther”, was released on Feb. 16. The film expertly combines current political conundrums with a nearly fantastical setting and relatable characters, creating a movie that is a must-see.
“Black Panther” was released on Feb. 16 by Marvel Studios. It is a film in the rare genre of political superhero movies, and it stands out above the others through its integration of real political problems with relatable character motivations from all sides.
The film delivers all of the spectacle and grandeur of a superhero film, with grandiose fight scenes and futuristic cities. The political context that drives the plot, however, is anything but traditional of a superhero movie.
The fictional African country of Wakanda, the main setting of the movie, shows an African nation that hasn’t been ravaged by centuries of colonization and civil war. When a new leader, T’Challa/Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman), is crowned king, he has to choose how to lead his people.
The central issue of racial empowerment is what makes this such a groundbreaking film, with characters taking different stances on Wakanda’s role in international politics. Foreign aid versus domination over oppressors, tradition versus progress and history written by conquerors are all discussed.
The real-world political problems discussed throughout the film, along with an expertly constructed plot that is neither predictable nor overly convoluted, create fascinating and relatable characters. Even the villain, Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan), has a backstory and motivations that are relatable and even sympathetic.
Even to the finer details, “Black Panther” delivers, with incredible costuming and jaw-dropping special effects, which are balanced seamlessly with the plot without defining it.
Although “Black Panther” takes place within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it is a standalone that requires no outside context, and so isn’t restricted to viewers with an extensive knowledge of it.
Even for those who don’t typically watch comic book movies, “Black Panther” is a must-watch that will make you laugh, cry and ponder the implications of today’s society.
