'Black Panther': Not Just Another Superhero Movie

Going into the cinema, I was expecting Black Panther to be just another superhero movie. Of course, a Marvels movie would not disappoint with its huge productions and engaging plot. But I was truly blown away by the depth and complexity the audience could delve into. Thought-provoking. Trailblazing. Powerful. These are some words that immediately come to my mind when I saw this movie. Not only was it a visual spectacle with action-packed fight scenes and dramatic cinematic shots, the director Ryan Coogler ingeniously infuses social awareness by featuring front and center black characters, including strong female characters, and dropping subtle yet relevant political remarks.

Yes—there are cool suits and costumes but beyond that there are deeper meanings and hidden treasures left to be explored and analyzed. Black Panther was one of the most anticipated films of 2018. In fact, it topped the rank for most tweeted films of 2017 even though it hadn’t come out then yet. What made this movie so special? Surely, this was not the first black superhero movie. Movies like “Hancock” (2008) and “Blade” (1998) featured black superheroes too. So what made this different then? Well, it might have come down to its intentional incorporation and celebration of blackness. It was not just a black superhero being a protagonist in a Western country. It took place in Africa, specifically Wakanda (although fictional but was based on Africa). The common theme of hardships and sufferings are not dealt with. Instead, it uplifts with the integration of African cultural in the movie’s choice of costumes, music and even language or accents.

Imagine being a 5-year-old in Kenya, this might just be the first time you catch something familiar in a blockbuster movie—from the vast grasslands, the animals that grace the grasslands, to the tribal-inspired costumes and the characters themselves. Even when it comes to fiction, we humans tend to seek things we can relate to and identify with. This certainly is no exception. It allowed the blacks—especially kids and superhero enthusiasts—to see themselves in these characters. I also found Coogler’s portrayal of Africa subversive. The common perception of Africa might be that it’s a third-world nation with unrefined technology and social structure. But Coogler flips it over and makes Wakanda (a country in Africa in the movie) the most technologically advanced place on Earth with its abundant supply of vibranium, which is an indestructible material (interesting fact: Captain America’s shield is made from vibranium). Nevertheless, it remains a country hidden and isolated from the world.

This movie is indeed testament to the idea that movies are conversation stimulators. It raises questions that are markedly relevant to the real world. In the case of Black Panther, one might ask, is preserving culture better with isolationism and cultural hegemony? Should leaders approve the adoption of certain technologies like nuclear technology when they are immensely beneficial yet perilous at the same time?

Despite the fictional dimension it takes place in, the resemblance and relevance of some of the dialogues in the movie are staggering. In the credits scene, Black Panther speaks on behalf of Wakanda and declares that they will share their resources and technology with the rest of the world. There was a quote that stood out to many: “In times of crisis, the wise build bridges, while the foolish build walls.” Does this ring a bell? Well, perhaps, and just perhaps, this was a reply to one of President Trump’s infamous plan to build a wall along the Mexican borders. It was this particular line that went trending on social media after the movie’s release. Even Morgan Freeman tweeted @realDonaldTrump to check it out.