The Marvel Cinematic Universe has taken us to many amazing places–most of which defy logic. Just think in the course of its history we have visited far away planets, floating cities filled with gods, and alternate dimensions. Still, it’s most interesting jewel is none other than the tiny African nation of Wakanda, Earth’s most advanced civilization, ruled by its monarch and superhero, the Black Panther!
Black Panther is easily one of Marvel’s most anticipated films to date, and easily its most anticipated stand alone film to date!
The story begins with the retelling of Wakandan history, and how a meteorite of vibranium–the strongest, most valuable, and rarest metal on Earth–fell to Africa and changed the surrounding areas plants and animals. Millions of years later, the humans that settled formed five warring tribes who only found peace when a chieftan, the first Black Panther, blessed by the Panther god, Bast, united them under one nation. The tribes used the vibranium to shield their country from the outside world and defend its borders; avoiding invasion and colonization like other African countries.
Flash forward to the 21st Century and the story line picks up shortly after the events of Captain America: Civil War. T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) returns to Wakanda to take his rightful place as king, following the death of his father, T’Chaka. He soon learns all too well, however, that “heavy is the head that wears the crown.” This means the revelation of family secrets, state affairs, and even questioning Wakanda’s position in the world.
Unbeknownst to T’Challa his entire world–and to an extension the world at large–are about to be threatened by the unholy alliance of Ulysses Klaw a murderous thief obsessed with stealing vibranium and Eric Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan), a Black militant with his own personal connection to Wakanda. T’Challa has to really his own inner strength, face the mistakes of the past, and rally his family and closest allies to once again save the world!
Black Panther is truly a marvel–pun intended–with so much action and adventure that you’re average moviegoer will find themselves in heaven throughout the film. HOWEVER, the REVOLUTION went cinematic, with this film with its messages of Black empowerment, militance, history, female empowerment, and nation building. The annotations of the Middle Passage, the oppression of African people throughout the world, and a call to action are boldly planted in this film. In a way you feel a sense of camaradarie, family, and togetherness as a person of color when you gather in the theater to see Black Panther. T’Challa may be just another black superhero to some, but to many Black people he is a powerful example of what is inside of each of us–a king or a queen, but always a warrior! The fight for what is right and even an equal playing will always be arduous, but after seeing this movie I have never felt more hopeful.
Be sure you check out Black Panther in a theaters everywhere nationwide today! Bring a friend and your family with you–#WeAreWakanda!
